Scarf (Supporting Special Children and their Relatives and Friends) – New Forest

Scarf is a charity based in the New Forest, Hampshire which organises regular term time clubs as well as holiday activities for children with special needs and their families. Children/young people are aged 0-25 years and have a range of disabilities and special needs, such as Down’s Syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy. Their approach is not just to meet the needs of the disabled child, but also to recognise the impact on the whole family, all of whom need fun and support.

Scarf aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment in which disabled children and their siblings feel comfortable and able to participate in a wide range of activities, and where adults and carers can enjoy meeting others in similar situations to themselves. Their term-time clubs include a Drama Club, a Youth Club and a Saturday morning Multi Sports Club. During the school holidays they run a programme of activities for children with special needs as well as their siblings to take part in (with parents/carers staying for holiday activities).