Oban parents push for new inclusivity charity
Two Oban parents are on a mission to set up a new registered charity inspired by the challenges faced by their own children.
Arlene McLeod and James Strang recently launched the Argyll Inclusivity Group (AIG) as a support group to help children who may feel excluded in Argyll.
Both Arlene and James have children with additional needs, and, as James explains, it can often be difficult for them to find suitable group activities for them to take part in.
Since creating an AIG Facebook group, they have even received many messages from people whose children have grown, showing the longevity of inclusivity issues.
“This is not a new problem as it has been going on for decades and decades across the country,” James explains.
“There is a lack of activities and inclusion, and it is difficult for these children to take part in the activities that most other children are going to. This has been a long-term frustration for many people.”
The father of two lives in Connel with his wife, Riona, and their two children, Finley and Hope.
Finley, who is six years old, is autistic and it can be difficult for the couple to find group activities for him to comfortably take part in, with Arlene arguing that it is not just the excluded children who are missing out.
Arlene said: “Inclusion is a two-way street because other children also gain something from interacting with children who have been excluded. It is educational for them and a win-win situation
“What we are trying to achieve is a change in the support that is offered to individuals when it comes to inclusion. There is a lot of talk about inclusion and businesses will often say that everyone is welcome, while actually providing little support.”
She added: “Inclusion needs to be more meaningful than it is at the moment and our long-term aim is to support anyone who has been excluded. For example, that could be due to their sexuality or mental health.”
The group’s next meeting is Saturday May 13, and it is also participating in the Oban Charities Day on Saturday June 3, with a stall selling toys and a raffle prize to raise awareness.
Local businesses and residents are also continuing to pledge their support, with the AIG Facebook group now sitting at over 90 members at they work on their charity application.