BUSHY Leaze Children and Families Centre in Alton is seeking to recognise “all things Bushy” at a special heroes event in September, and it is seeking nominations for a hero award.

Having stood at the heart of Alton since January 1984, firstly on the former Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital site and for the past 21 years at its current location on Eastbrooke Road, Bushy Leaze has welcomed many families through its doors and they, and their children, have gone on to achieve so much.

To show how proud the centre is of these success stories, the decision has been taken to recognise the achievements of children (past or present), their parents, community members and professionals, and the role Bushy Leaze has played in their journey.

Supported by a special Lottery Celebration Fund grant allocated exclusively for such an initiative, the plan is to host a fully-inclusive celebration on Saturday, September 23, under a marquee in the grounds of neighbouring Anstey Junior School, with entertainers, a sensory play area, and an awards ceremony that it is hoped will leave a lasting impression of the valuable work Bushy Leaze does in the community.

Head of centre Patti Snook said: “Many of our families struggle with confidence issues so an event celebrating how far they have come and the amazing things they have achieved so far will, we believe, reinforce our work and boost them for future life challenges. It will also show others who are facing similar struggles what can be achieved and may encourage them to ask for support when needed.

“We have designed the event to be a special occasion which our families will remember, one that will bring people together and enhance support networks. It would be something we would be unable to host without a grant provided by the Lottery Celebration Fund.”

Bushy Leaze is an integrated children and families centre, providing a central hub for a range of services and facilities for families and children from the early stages of pregnancy to when children start school, including a maintained nursery school, family support services, specialist support and provision for children with special educational needs, and outreach services to pre-schools and families.

“And we are proud to have been judged as outstanding by Ofsted since 2002,” said Mrs Snook.

As part of the centre’s work, it has representatives sitting on a community forum with other members including Alton College, Alton Community Association, Alton Town Council, and many others involved with community activities.

The idea of a Bushy Leaze family celebration was developed with these partners at a forum last year. Many members have been called upon to help in the development and organisation of the event, along with local businesses, schools and colleges to help Bushy Leaze achieve its vision for a perfect party.

The sensory area is to be designed by outreach workers and highly-skilled special educational needs and disability practitioners.

The parents’ association Friends of Bushy Leaze, which provides a valuable peer support network, is involved in organising and running the event, and many families will be involved as it is their stories that will be told on the videos and other marketing material used to advertise the event.

Schools will provide bands and choirs to perform on the day and students from Alton College are busy creating videos which will feature past and current parents and staff.

The event is to take the form of a “fantastical garden party”, starting at 3pm when shortlisted ‘heroes’ and their families will be invited to enjoy a cream tea, followed by entertainment and the presentation of awards.

Anyone with a past or current association with Bushy Leaze who would like to nominate a hero can do so online at bushyleaze.co.uk or call 01420 87675. Nominations must be in by September 9.