Burnley nurse's family blog A Boys Day Out helping children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) feel included

Rachel and her husband Chris launched their lifestyle blog A Boys Day Out on Facebook last August to recommend fun and free activities in the area that are geared up for all children, including with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and help families feel informed about the trip before they go.

A Boys Day Out is no ordinary lifestyle blog. While Rachel’s boys Noah (six) and Jonah (two) love making visits to fun places like farm parks and playgrounds, their hard-working mum gives families as much detail as possible about how to make their days out SEND-friendly, including a venue’s layout, quiet times to go and if there is wheelchair access.

The 34-year-old said: “For me and my husband, it’s all about inclusivity for children with special educational needs and disabilities. It’s about having that understanding [of their needs] and bringing everyone together. It’s important for people to feel included.”

Rachel will launch A Boys Day Out website next week. She is also hoping to turn the venture into a community interest company (CIC) to raise money for good causes, after amassing £1,500 for Positive Action in the Community at their first charity event, held in January.

And the family is currently completing a sponsored wildlife challenge in aid of Brierfield Children’s Community Allotment.

"I’d love it to be a CIC eventually so that we can do more fundraisers and pay for children to take part in fun experiences like dance classes and life skills, such as swimming and first aid training.

"Noah understands why the blog is so important to other families and the meaning behind why it was created.

“He was a huge part of the fundraiser, collecting raffle prizes, helping set up and he wants to continue to support other children.

“He even spoke in his full school assembly and received the head teacher award for his charitable work.”

The blog is now sponsored by P3 Computers and the family work in partnership with Burnley Leisure, with Rachel adding: "It’s so important to me and my husband that families feel included. That’s why I do the job I do. I love my job and supporting families, and I want to put back into the community.”

www.aboysdayout.co.uk