Last week, I visited the independent charity, Action For Kids (in Haringey, London) for a day of drawing, story-building and more drawing.

It was nice to have the opportunity to share my stories with the staff and students at Action For Kids, and it was great to hear their stories, too! Together, we created our very own imaginative story, which featured mer-pandas, underwater aliens and Johnny Depp!

Action For Kids is a truly remarkable independent charity. They exist to support disabled children and young people to live the life they want - just like everyone else.

They do this by working with students aged 14 to 19 who have special educational needs to ensure they gain the most from their school experience and to ensure that their voices are heard.

For students no longer in full time education they teach practical skills in managing money, living independently and how to access the help which is available.

They also have full time job coaches who organise training, work placements and finally paid work.

I came across Action For Kids last year when I was looking for a charity to support as part of an exhibition at Pickled Pepper Books, the brilliant indie children's book store in Crouch End. I wanted to donate my share to a charity in the general locale - which is when I found Action For Kids. And I'm so glad that I did.

Having worked as a support worker to further education students at Swindon College, I have a little bit of an insight into how difficult it can often be for young adults with special needs to find their own unique form of independence as they prepare for life beyond education. And because of this insight, I can truly appreciate the value and importance of Action For Kids.

To find out more about Action For Kids, please check out their WEBSITE and show your support by following them on TWITTER and FACEBOOK. Better yet, donate!

Here are some photos of my day with the charity, courtesy of Action For Kids.