Childs First Recognised Word Is 'bibic' - 23rd February 2010
When six- year- old Jake picked up a letter and read the colourful logo on the letterhead it was a very special day for his parents.
Just 18 months before, Jake had been at his lowest ebb, frustrated by his early days at school and his perceived lack of ability compared to his classmates. Toddler-style temper tantrums occurred several times a day, he was out of control and he felt like a complete failure.
“He was a very unhappy child and we honestly felt he was on the verge of a breakdown – things were very bad, “ said Dad, Steve.
He couldn’t sit still long enough to concentrate on even the most basic tasks, failed to recognise and remember shapes and even had trouble remembering names.
Over the last 12 months the situation has begun to change for the better and that first word he read will always have special significance as it is the name of charity that has turned life around for Jake and his family.
The charity is bibic, a national organisation which specialises in helping children with brain injuries and genetic conditions such as autism, dyspraxia and developmental delay.
Working closely with the children and their families, bibic puts together therapy programmes, which can be followed at home and school, designed to address gaps in the child’s development and to help them achieve their potential – whatever that may be.
Unknown to his adoptive parents, Steve and Diane, Jake’s problems started before he was even born. His birth mother drank heavily while she was pregnant – leaving Jake a victim of foetal alcohol syndrome with parts of his brain damaged as a result.
As a baby Jake seemed perfectly normal. Steve explained: “ He went through his first year with no problems but as he got older we noticed he was a very busy child. As a toddler he had boundless energy but was just too frantic all of the time and we instinctively felt that something wasn’t right.”
At playgroup, staff noticed he struggled with holding a pencil or scissors and recognising shapes. “Everyone loved him and was charmed by him and he had a big group of friends but it became obvious that certain tasks were just too difficult for him to even think about, “ said Steve.
The situation worsened when Jake started school and it was then that he had his first visit to bibic. “ We had a very unhappy child on our hands, “ said Steve. “ He was aware he was unable to keep up with his classmates and his self esteem was at an all-time low. It got to the stage where he completely refused to even try tasks.”
At bibic, based near Bridgwater in Somerset, therapists spent two days with Jake and his family. Their unique approach involves assessing the child – working out their capabilities and the areas they have problems with – watching them play and then coming up with simple therapies.
“ Jake sees it as a great day out – lots of fun and play; bibic is his favourite place, “ said Steve.
The solutions bibic come up with are taught to the whole family so they can be introduced into the daily routine. Steve explained: “ They showed us how we could work and play with Jake to help him with the sensory issues that cause his hyper-activity, simple games to help improve his memory and different ways of talking to him and dealing with his behaviour.”
Something as simple as allowing Jake regular “ time out” sessions when he can charge around and release some energy helps to keep him more focussed for short periods. Holding a special cushion on his lap while he is sitting can help his constant fidgeting and helps him to concentrate and regular sensory massage is also part of the programme.
The bibic advice has been closely followed at home and at school and it soon became obvious it was having results. “ Jake has become a much happier child. We have had return visits to bibic and the therapies evolve to suit his changing needs but there has been significant progress, “ said Steve.
Now most mornings Jake goes happily to school. He still struggles with some skills but at least he is willing to take on the challenges and give it a go. “ Seeing the change in his behaviour is priceless to us. We now have a much greater insight into why Jake is like he is. It is as if bibic has given us the opportunity to see inside his head and understand how he thinks and behaves, “ explained Steve.
“ Having that understanding and being able to avoid potential problems has made a huge difference to us as a family and we are feeling much more positive about his future.”
Intrepid Fundraisers Raise £40,000 for bibic - 16th February 2010
bibic supporters Paul Brett and Sean O'Connor succesfully completed their arduous Arctic challenge in Northern Norway, raising an enormous amount for the charity.
Speaking from the comfort of his home, Paul said; "We made it!!!! We returned in the early hours of yesterday morning and I can say it was an extremely challenging trip which has left me very tired but elated to have successfully completed the challenge. We covered 250km in temperatures averaging minus 20 degrees but reaching minus 32 degrees at times. We normally set off at 8am and usually sledded until either 3pm or 4pm with a 10min break for lunch. I didn’t eat lunch since the sandwiches we prepared for ourselves were usually solid ice by lunchtime! I am delighted to inform you that we have exceeded the £40,000 target!".
For more information on the challenge, or to sponsor Paul and Sean, please visit www.bmycharity.com/paulbrett. If you are inspired by this incredible challenge, why not take one on yourself? For more information, click here.
A message from Paul Brett in Norway!
Young Farmers Pull Together for bibic - 17th November 2009
A Young Farmers Club marked its 75th anniversary by raising £6,000 for children’s charity bibic.
The 60-strong Bridgwater YFC held a variety of events, from a tractor pull to a sponsored bounce to raise the cash for the charity.
Tim Sullivan from the group said: “ It was a very special year for us and we decided to choose one charity to benefit from our fund-raising during the 12 months. bibic is a cause which is very relevant to us as it involves children and young people.”
The money raised has already been put to good use with some of it being used to sponsor therapy sessions for one family at bibic’s national assessment centre near Bridgwater in Somerset. Simone Gilbert, Partnership Development Officer for the charity said: “ The Young Farmers made a massive effort during the year and we are very grateful for their support.” END
New therapy pool creates a splash - 5th November 2009
UK charity bibic has re-opened it’s therapy pool – exactly 12 months after its old one was destroyed by fire. Last November the children’s charity was devastated when fire tore through the pool complex of its national assessment centre near Bridgwater, Somerset – causing £250,000 worth of damage.
Since then a major public appeal has been held, bringing in donations from around the world and yesterday (4 November) Zack Swan, a child on the bibic programme, officially opened the new therapy pool, with help from Councillor Jane Moreton, Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council.
Chief Executive of bibic John Bennett said: “Pool therapy plays a major part in the work we do with children here. It was a terrible blow when we had the fire and I am delighted that we are now able to offer our families even better facilities.”
The new pool features improved family facilities and includes stimulating sensory lights and music which make the pool such a valuable therapy resource for the charity.
John added: “We were very heartened by the response to our pool appeal. Donations literally flooded in - many of them from local people who were determined to help us bounce back and it is thanks to them that we are able to open our new facility today.”
bibic works with around 400 families a year, helping children with a wide range of conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, autism and dyslexia. It is unique as it specialises in devising individual therapy programmes to help the youngsters achieve their potential for a happier and more fulfilled life.
For more information please contact Lucie Howells on 01278 684060. END
