HomeSense Chichester

PACSO (Parents and Carers Support Organisation) is a local charity, serving the Chichester and Arun districts of West Sussex. We offer recreational opportunities to disabled children and their able-bodied siblings, thereby providing much needed short term break provision to them and their families. The PACSO ethos is one of inclusion. It is a sad fact that, in West Sussex, children and young people with disabilities often find it difficult to be a part of ‘mainstream’ clubs and activities because staff often lack the experience and training to deal with people who have special or additional needs. Here at PACSO we believe the person comes before their disability. Therefore, you will find children of all ages and all disabilities (physical, learning and behavioural) playing together, making friends and having fun. What’s more, we also understand the special role that brothers and sisters play. In fact, we call them ‘young carers’ because of the important job that they do, and we also include them in the fun! PACSO has grown considerably over the past 16 years. From our humble beginnings as a small support group for parents and carers of disabled children, we now regularly offer play activities to over 250 children. Our core activities now include: • After School clubs every afternoon during term time • Saturday clubs every month • Saturday 'pop-up' clubs once a month (in harder to reach areas across the district) • Easter Play Days • Christmas Play Days • Summer Playscheme • Little PACSO (parent and toddler group) weekly • PACSO Plus for 18-25 year olds, including our weekly Pub Club We also offer regular family activities, including an annual Family Fun Day at CYE Sailing Centre, trips to the theatre, and a family Christmas Party. We also provide support for parents and carers, through the provision of coffee mornings, lunches, and evening social events. Our aim is for these activities to result in skills that bestow self esteem, confidence and happiness. Many of our parents can testify to the real value of these sessions as their children take their newly-acquired skills back into their homes and schools. One PACSO parent told us: “PACSO gave me a lifeline when I was at my lowest ebb.”