Brothers who set up a community organisation in honour of their mum who died from dementia and a a support group for children and young people with autism are in the running for a major award.
Lee and Andrew Pearse spent over a decade caring for Valerie after she was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia and later set up The Valerie Foundation to provide help, support and a hub for people whose lives have been effected by dementia. This led to the setting up of the Dementia Department at Heeley City Farm which among other activities does animal-assisted therapy, involving patients either visiting the farm or the animals being brought to them in care settings.
ACCTive about Autism use participation in activities and play to provide a safe and relaxing environment in which young autistic people in Sheffield can practice social communication, build their confidence and self-esteem and make friends.
Both projects are in the finals for the People’s Projects run by ITV and are in with the chance of winning up to 50,000 pounds of National Lottery cash. They are asking for people to vote for them and help spread the word.
They feature on tonight’s (Thursday April 4th) Calendar TV programme at 6pm. However, if you miss this, the TV piece is on the voting website.
You can vote until Monday April 15th. You can see more about the projects and cast your vote here.
