Speak Up: MASKK
This year's Speak Up grants all focus on the voices and experiences of children and young people in Sheffield.
MASKK (Manor After School Kids Klub) is a charity that provides activities and services for children and families, primarily living in the Manor Castle ward. They also have specialist support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families.
They used their Speak Up grant to engage with children and parents through playwork, surveys, and creative sessions. They learnt about the way children wanted to interact with waiting rooms and healthcare settings, and whether parents (especially those of children with SEND) felt professionals understood their family's needs.
What do MASKK want to see?
Based on feedback from children and parents, MASKK set out a series of practical 'quick wins' for healthcare settings to take. These included:
- Making waiting areas more child-friendly, with toys, books, ear defenders, and different seating options
- Offering increased privacy or lower-stimulus environments for families who need them
- Being clear about waiting times and delays to support children who may be growing restless
To learn more about MASKK's creative project, and the findings from children and parents, read the full report below.
