Following on from the £1,000 donation from the Santa fun Run, Quest Busters (QB), based at Bridges is “extremely grateful” to have been nominated as a recipient of fundraising from the recent Santa Fun Run, whose generous support will help QB deliver more inclusive events and reach even more families across the community.”

In December alone, QB has supported hundreds of local people to take part in inclusive festive activities, including: Supporting 114 people to attend a relaxed performance of the Scrooge pantomime, allowing families to enjoy live theatre without fear of judgement: Supporting 70 people to attend a relaxed Illumination Trail, creating magical memories in a calm and understanding setting; Receiving 40 Christmas presents generously gifted by Sunshine Radio, helping to spread festive joy to local families; Running Christmas Craft sessions for children and families; Delivering a Christmas Cookalong lesson for families in partnership with Cookalong Clwb and running three wreath-making workshops across the county, supporting 60 parent carers to enjoy creative time and peer connection, in partnership with Deacons Florist.

QB’s current funding is due to come to an end early next year, and the team is actively applying for new funding so this much‑loved project can continue. Demand for QB’s activities continues to grow, with more families seeking inclusive, understanding spaces where they can feel welcome and supported.

The group exists to provide fun, safe, and inclusive activities that allow families with additional needs to spend quality time together, reduce stress, and enjoy experiences that might otherwise feel out of reach, all within a relaxed, judgement‑free environment.

One parent carer said: “Quest Busters has been a fantastic help to our family since receiving an ND diagnosis for our 6-year-old son. Being able to take both of our children to events with other families in similar situations has been a real lifeline for us. These events are wonderfully organised and come without fear of judgement by others who don’t understand our situation.

“The relaxed atmosphere has been a great help to all of us and takes away a lot of the stress that we might otherwise feel, which in turn relaxes the children and allows us all to have fun. We’ve seen a real change in our son’s wellbeing this year, which is in part due to these events as they help get our son out of the house and experiencing new things.

Another family reflected on attending the relaxed pantomime performance.

“Thank you so much to Charmaine and Lisa for last night! It was wonderful to be able to attend the ICC and watch Scrooge, to have some valuable family time, especially in the lead up to Christmas.

“We have avoided going to shows like last night previously, mainly out of worrying how we would get the children to sit still and quietly for others around us to enjoy the performance too. Going with Quest Busters means we as parents are able to relax!”

If you think you could support Quest Busters, please get in touch:email [email protected]