Based in Norwich, the Hamlet Centre Trust is well known across the county for its work with disabled children. The organisation began life as a toy library and was founded in 1972 by Jack and Margaret Wymer who were disabled. Since then, the service has gradually expanded in response to the changing needs of families using the centre. Last year the Hamlet Centre Trust successfully applied for a Children In Need grant and the money they received has helped finance its weekly youth clubs. Same opportunities
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Every week around a dozen kids who have physical, learning and sensory disabilities work alongside youth club leaders and plan what they will do each week. "What we want is for young people with disabilities to have the same opportunities for a social life that their more able brothers and sisters have," said service co-ordinator Marian Pearson. "There are all sorts of reasons why that's more difficult. Sometimes young people are more vulnerable or they might not be able to be in a smoky atmosphere because of the risks to their health. We want them to have access to the same kinds of activities as everyone else," she added. Sensory room There is a wide range of facilities and activities at the Hamlet Centre – from Playstation 2 to a pool table, quiz nights. The centre also has a sensory room which is equipped with lights, sounds and textures. The kids clearly enjoy themselves. When I visited, it was the raucous Quiz And Chips Night. There are also trips out which 17-year-old Donna Marie enjoys. "I go bowling, I go to Zaks [an American-style restaurant in Norwich] and I go to parties here," she said. Craig is another one of the members who attends every week. "I like snooker, the Playstation and singing. I enjoy it a lot – it's fantastic," he said. Relaxed atmosphere The money from Children In Need helps to make much of this possible. The Hamlet Centre is receiving £25,000 over three years, which pays for three part-time youth workers. Liz Cooksey, the youth club leader, has got to know many of the teenagers well. "It's nice to see them in a different setting. There's not such tight boundaries and it's a much more relaxed atmosphere. It's all about having fun and socialising with friends from school and other schools," she said. The centre provides an important service for both the young people and their families. "It makes a great difference. It gives the members and their carers a break for the evening. We practise social skills and go out. We do an awful lot here that they wouldn't get a chance to do otherwise," she said. | 
