Writing Marathon at the Writing Cafe

Writing Marathon at the Writing Cafe From 10am to 10pm on Tuesday 10th March 2015 members of the writing cafe will be writing non-stop to raise money for a very worthwhile local charity. All monies raised will go to support Friends of Plymouth Portage to support the work they do with families with young children with additional needs or disabilities. The events focuses on children's literature; a key element of early learning. Friends of Plymouth Portage is a small local charity supporting families in Plymouth with pre-school children with additional needs and/or disabilities.  What the charity does The group aims to support families by raising money to fund: Specialist Toys and Equipment to support children's play and learning Social Events for children and families Training for parents/carers e.g. Makaton signing A summer event and a Christmas party for children and families   Low cost holidays in a holiday Caravan in Croyde, North Devon The charity aims to give families the opportunity to meet other families in similar circumstances allowing them to form their own support networks. Training courses give parents more skills to help teach their own children with the help of the Portage Service. What is Portage Portage is one of the early intervention services available in Plymouth for early year’s children who have additional needs and/or disabilities and their families. The Portage home visitors are highly skilled, experienced professionals who help parents and children learn together and play together using a step by step approach. How does Portage work? The Portage team provide home learning support, working in partnership with parents and other professionals. Together they plan outcomes, based on the individual needs and wishes of the individual child and family. Portage is based on three key principles: Child led play Family focused approach Structured teaching   For more information about the charity go to: www.friendsofplymouthportage.org.uk