We Too! and Codona’s are marking a successful year of partnership that continues to expand inclusive opportunities for children and young people with disabilities across the North-east of Scotland.
Over the last year, Codona’s has contributed more than £12,000 to support the work of Aberdeen charity We Too!, helping families access welcoming and supportive experiences that many previously felt were out of reach through sensory or communication needs or physical access requirements.
The announcement follows the latest partnership initiative, ‘Power Hour’, which took place on Saturday 16 May. Building on the success of the popular Dream Night series, Power Hour gave families access to the outdoor amusement park during quieter operating hours, a calmer and more relaxed environment.
Where the Dream Night series provides exclusive closed-door access to a relaxed and sensory-adjusted park environment, ‘Power Hour’ was designed to support families in accessing Codona’s during standard operating conditions, without additional adaptations, helping build confidence, familiarity and independence within a mainstream setting.
A unique We Too! and Codona’s access band provided unlimited rides, alongside access to the Go Karts, allowing children and young people to experience the attractions at their own pace within a supportive environment.
The funding has also supported We Too!’s popular Relaxed Sessions and wider accessibility work across the region, helping reduce barriers and create opportunities for families to take part in experiences that are often inaccessible within mainstream settings.
For many families, the events provide an opportunity to say ‘yes’ to experiences they may otherwise avoid, knowing they will be welcomed, understood and supported.
Built on a shared commitment to accessibility and inclusion from the outset, the partnership between We Too! and Codona’s continues to evolve through inclusive events, collaboration and fundraising that directly supports families across the region.
Phionna McInnes, Chief Ninja at We Too!, said: ‘We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Codona’s. Their support has gone far beyond fundraising. They have embraced inclusion, welcomed challenge and worked alongside us to make meaningful change.
‘The impact of that is seen in happier families, more confident children and experiences that many people once thought were out of reach.
‘More than £12,000 is an incredible contribution, but the real value is in the memories created, the confidence built and the opportunities opened for families across our community.’
Gillian Gallan, General Manager at Codona’s, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to work with We Too! and support the incredible work they do within the community. Collaborating with the team to make events and sessions more inclusive is both inspiring and rewarding, and we look forward to continuing to build on the partnership and making a difference together.’
We Too! is a customer-driven organisation working to empower parents and carers of children with disabilities across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Through relaxed sessions, inclusive events, training and accessibility support, the charity works to reduce barriers and create spaces where families feel welcomed, understood and able to take part with confidence.
For more information on the work of We Too!, visit wetoo.org.uk