Why take part?

I CAN has been supporting children’s speech language and communication development for over 40 years.  By taking part in the 2010 Chatterbox Challenge you will be helping I CAN carry on its invaluable work and help make a difference to the lives of children like Bella.

Register now for your free fundraising pack

Bella’s Mum’s Story

When Bella was very young she was often frustrated and had terrible tantrums.  I looked for professional advice, following which I learnt Bella had hearing problems.  Before I was aware of this diagnosis I assumed that it was something Bella would grow out of, but at this point I realised that she needed help and I didn’t know where to start looking.

I followed up the hearing problem with our GP.  She was wonderful and put me in touch with a very supportive health visitor.  It was this health visitor who told me that Bella would need to go to a pre-school that could provide specialist help in order to support her communication skills.

The I CAN early year’s centre at Carden was a huge set up but wasn’t scary or intimidating at all. It was like the  miracle answer.  The I CAN staff explained to me how Bella would use Makaton signing and learn how to do “good listening” and “good sitting”.

As well as Bella learning to use Makaton, I was also given the opportunity to do so. Being able to communicate with Bella like this was amazing.  It was also great to sit down with other parents who were going through similar experiences and help each other over-come and solve problems. It was very comforting. .  During her time at the I CAN early year’s centre Bella stopped having tantrums and is now a much happier child

Bella was at I CAN’s early year’s centre in Carden 5 days a week for six months.  During this intensive period, she learnt how to speak, which she now does all the time, often speaking more eloquently than me!  Thanks to the work of I CAN, Bella is now at Primary school like everyone else.  I was the proudest I have ever been on her first day of school - I knew how hard she had worked to get herself ready.

You can help other children like Bella by registering today for your free fundraising pack.