PICTURES: Ross and Cromarty charity Fox and Friends hosts fun day at Balloch Village Hall
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A HIGHLAND charity based in Ross-shire is working to bring communities together through fun and games.
Fox and Friends was established after founder Lisa Davidson noticed “massive gaps in provision” for additional special needs (ASN) families while she was running her Fox’s Tales interactive story sessions.
Lisa then decided to create what is the only family service north of Inverness where ASN families can come together with siblings, carers and extended family, to have fun and seek support if they need it.
A recent fun day at Balloch Village Hall helped raise vital funds for the Easter Ross-based charity’s service.
Lisa said: “I started running Fox's Tales Interactive Story Sessions after seeing the damage Covid was doing to families coming out of lockdown.
“On travelling around with Fox's Tales I was very aware that not every family can afford to pay for activities and many were missing out on social interaction due to this.
“I had also recognised massive gaps in provision for ASN families and the elderly among us north of Inverness.
“I decided to become a charity only a few months in so that I can offer activities and events that are accessible to all, with money being no barrier.
“So here I am now a social enterprise that offers activities and events for all generations to bring communities together and boost health and well-being.
“I’m trying to ensure that no-one feels lonely or isolated in our little corner of the world!”
Currently, the charity runs drop-in clubs every week in Evanton, Dingwall and Invergordon. The Evanton drop-in session on Tuesdays between 4.30-6.30pm is an opportunity for families to enjoy dinner together.
On Thursdays at the Dingwall Legion Club from 10am-12pm cake and a cuppa are on offer. Also on a Thursday, from 1-4.30pm Invergordon Leisure Centre gives the opportunity to swim or use leisure facilities during the Fox and Friends sessions.
Explaining more about these sessions, Lisa said: “The ASN groups run in three areas each week and are the only family service north of Inverness, where they can come together with siblings, carers and extended family to have fun and seek support if they need it.
“Many of the families we support are unable to access services further afield due to poor transport links or financial reasons.
“I hope that as the months go on we can open several of these groups all over the Highlands.
“We are also looking to roll out an adult service which offers intergenerational work alongside activities and events for the adults among us.”
Read more about the charity’s work at www.foxandfriends.org.uk
