Number of families supported at Swings & Smiles almost doubles in a year

A Thatcham-based charity has reported a year of growth in the number of families it supports.

Swings & Smiles, on Lower Way, released a 2021/22 impact report detailing the support it has offered the local community over the period of 12 months.

In September 2021, the charity had 668 families registered but by September 2022 that had almost doubled to just over 1,000.

The organisation, which offers a seven-day timetable for the whole family, was able to support 1,322 individuals over this period, an increase of 636 people.

Family Play at Swings & Smiles continues to be popular with 3,336 hours delivered in the year.

One parent said: “It feels like another home to us. The staff are our friends and always make sure toys are available.”

The recipients of respite services has more than doubled with 43 children registered in 2021 to over 100 children in 2022 – a 132 per cent increase.

It was to provide 2,994 hours of respite between September 2020/21 and has increased this to 6,225 during the same period this year.

The charity said its SIBsupport – for siblings of children with disabilities – is growing, especially through SIBSupport sessions in schools with a recent school visit being attended by 18 siblings.

The full impact report can be found on the Swings & Smiles website.