--------------- Galaxy Clubs in 2024 ------------------------
Thanks to the encouragement of the Mayor of Bexley, Bexley Voluntary Service Council, the Bexley Interfaith Forum and the Smerdon Centre, starting in 2024, there will be not just one, but two teams running Galaxy Clubs and offer a wonderful opportunity for neurodivergent individuals within the London Borough of Bexley.
------- Galaxy Club CCB at Christ Church Bexleyheath ---------
www.christchurchbexleyheath.org.uk/under-18/galaxy-clubs
------- Galaxy Club Bexley - Facebook Page ---------
According to Health Education England NHS, around 1 in 7 of the UK population is neurodivergent. Neurodiversity refers to the different ways the brain can work and interpret information, it includes a range of conditions, including Attention Deficit Disorders, Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.
In June 2022, the founders of Galaxy Club realised that there was no out-of-school or evening activities designed solely for those with neurodiversities, so when Christ Church Bexleyheath (CCB) offered to provide an initial seed corn grant and the use of its hall as that safe place, the founders jumped at the opportunity to start the Galaxy Clubs. We started with three amazing clubs are an inclusive setting for Children (7-11), Young People (12-17) and Adults (18+) with neurodiversities/ additional needs. A safe place where they can come together to interact, play games, chat, be creative with arts and crafts and much more.
During 2022 and 2023 Galaxy Club run weekly during term time, hosted by Christ Church Bexleyheath and led by a small and passionately committed group of volunteers, all with first-hand experience of additional needs, the clubs officially launched in September 2022 with the aim to create a place for everyone to be themselves and be understood. “Everyone here either has dyslexia, dyspraxia, ASD, ADD, ADHD or another awesome gift, it doesn’t matter, cos once you are here, we are all just ourselves and we understand each other. I really like coming, I meet up with friends and people who understand me.” explains Trystan (9 years old and a Galaxy attendee)……And that is the whole purpose of Galaxy Club!
--------------- Constitution of Galaxy Clubs ------------------------
The CCB Galaxy Club Constitution is reviewed annually and updated to reflect necessary changes. The aims, membership, policies, safeguarding, First Aid, DBS and NFP statements are all available by request.