Community Champion, Julie Hinton – The Music Club, sponsor Reading Football Club
The founder of a club for disabled children and young people in Reading uses music “as a magic switch” providing “so much joy”, said their nominator for Community Champion.
The Music Club provides opportunities for play, music and movement.
Founder Julie Hinton has a disabled 27-year-old daughter who she dedicates her life to, said her nominator. “But in addition to this, she also dedicated her life to families who are in similar situations to her through her endless dedication to The Music Club,”
She set this up to provide an activity for young people who share her daughter’s love of music of all kinds, they said.
“Families like this have so little to access in the community and can become isolated as there it can be difficult to find appropriate settings to enjoy together,” said the nominator.
“This group provides a safe place for young people and their parents/carers, a way to connect with each other which is so important and so much joy as the music is like a magic switch in the way young people with complex needs react when a rhythm is played.”
Julie spends hours arranging different performers, sourcing raffle prizes, booking venues and applying for funding to ensure the club runs smoothly.
It has three weekly online sessions which have run since the start of lockdown, but also live sessions once a month, which was the original music club that has now been running for over 14 years.
“So much of her time is dedicated to ensuring this club supports the constantly growing members of the group. She really cares about the friends she meets through the club,” said her nominator.
“She is always helping those with younger children to navigate the very challenging world the SEN community has to live within. She is constantly supporting our community, and is a beacon to us all.
“She really is a very special person and deserves thanks for all she does, which we try to do ourselves. She understands, and that’s why she is able to help so well.”
The Community Champion award is sponsored by Reading Football Club.
