Sign of Pride for disability champ
Creating better mental health
ASIGN language and disability campaigner was named as a Regional Fundraiser of the Year finalist in this year’s Pride of Britain awards.
Jade Kilduff, from Middleton, was named as one of four finalists for the Granada Reports Pride of Britain Regional Fundraiser of the Year.
But unfortunately she missed out on the award which was won by a woman who raised funds for Cuddle Cots which preserves babies’ bodies so that parents and families can spend time with them after they pass away.
Jade, 20, created Sign Along With Us, the choir which made the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals last year, initially as a way to help her younger brother Christian.
Christian is visually impaired and has Cerebral Palsy, which was caused by a brain injury.
Doctors told the family that he would never be able to communicate – until Jade began teaching him sign language, which has improved his ability to speak as well as sign.
As well as creating Sign Along With Us, Jade has also raised £50,000 to fund a caravan in Fleetwood which can be used by families with disabilities all year round.
Her efforts in funding the caravan led to her nomination for the regional Pride of Britain award.
“Being nominated for Pride of Britain is absolutely insane,” Jade told Granada Reports.
“I still can’t believe it. I thought they were pranking me. It’s a surreal feeling.” Jade added that she was able to raise the funds for the caravan despite not being able to host any big events due to Covid.
She also said she was one-third of the way to fundraising a second caravan.
“I came across so many more people who were using wheelchairs, who needed hoists and adaptations,” she said.
“When you go on holiday and you aren’t in a wheelchair you can just go on a caravan site, whereas if you’re in a wheelchair, most caravan sites have like two caravans which are adapted and they cost three times more which is just so wrong.
“I wanted to make something like this so people who are in wheelchairs and have disabilities can come on holiday and they can actually enjoy themselves without having to do all that extra stress.
“So it’s just all about making it more inclusive.”
Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: “The whole borough is incredibly proud of Jade.
“She’s bringing disability awareness and inclusivity to the front of people’s attention in a fun and inspiring way. Her fundraising efforts for this caravan are remarkable and it’ll make such a difference to so many.
“Our music service loved doing Britain’s Got Talent with her Sign Along With Us group and long may that inspiring work continue.”
WORLD Mental Health Day tomorrow (Sunday) has never been more pertinent to our times.
It is organised by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.
The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
In our borough we have many fine examples of how the creative community are becoming significant stakeholders through helping young people become more resilient to the challenges presented by poor mental health.
Challenges that are being exacerbated by the social isolation, anxiety and uncertainty brought about by the current pandemic.
Poor mental health can impact on every aspect of young people’s lives, including how they feel, think and communicate as well as on physical health, educational attainment, employment opportunities, relationships, lifestyle choices and risk behaviours.
Creativity is increasingly being deployed as therapy for the mind across the whole spectrum of the arts from writing to making music, dancing to painting, gardening to baking, drama to pottery, in fact whatever floats the creative boat.
Creative activities across our borough are being very successfully deployed as therapy for the mind, building resilience to poor mental health in many ways including:
Relieving stress
Like yoga for the brain. Even simply observing creativity can decrease psychological stress, such as attending a concert, checking out a museum or reading.
Improving mood
The self-reflection and greater understanding of oneself that comes with being creative can increase control over emotional pain and depression, as well as boosting self-confidence and a feeling of wellbeing through achievement.
Cultivating a social life
Bonding through common experiences and interests develops positivity and affirmation, improved social contact and communication with others.
A healthy social life is essential to well-being and resilience.
In the coming months, in this column, we shall be celebrating the work of organisations where young people are being encouraged and enabled, through engagement with the creative arts, to build resilience to the mental health challenges they face.
It will give them the opportunity to talk about their work and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for young people across our borough.
Organisations such as: » » » » » »