EFFORTS by a Redditch woman to improve the communication skills of local children have won the backing of MP Rachel Maclean.
Kelly Ordish was working as a teaching assistant at a local school but found herself coming across too many children who were struggling with their words.
Wanting to get out of full time education and into helping youngsters with their social skills, she contacted the Redi Centre for help then backed herself to put a programme together.
Together she and Redi Centre manager Ray Groves put together a bid to finance the project.
And her dream became a reality when the People’s Health Trust came in with a £49,304 grant enabling Kelly’s Bond Enrich Nurture Support (BENS) project to take off.
“I was working with children with difficulties in their speech,” said Kelly.
“I felt there was a greater need for social inter-action and skills – that instead of getting angry and frustrated they would have the ability to sit down and talk things through.
“So I decided to bite the bullet, gave up my job and went for it.”
The money is paying for a two-year projected providing weekly support sessions for children who have communication and mental health difficulties.
The parents set the agenda and the children lead on the delivery of a variety of activities.
“Mrs Maclean said: “I heard about this project and wanted to come and see it for myself.
“I’m a great admirer of all they do in the community and I think it’s brilliant that this money is going to a project here in Redditch.”
“We are really proud of what Kelly has done here,” said Ray.
“She had the idea and she put the bid for funding together, and it fits in nicely with what we do here.
“When the County Council closed all the youth clubs down, what did they expect young people to do – stand on street corners or hide away in their bedrooms?
“To have someone like Rachel Maclean here gives us real support.”
