ARCOS is a UK national charity, working to improve life for children and adults who have communication, eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. These conditions are often complex, persist throughout life and require specialized, long-term treatment. Our goal is to enable clients to benefit from the latest advances in knowledge, understanding, skills and technology. Based in the West Midlands, we have a Resource, Training and Therapy Centre and operate a nationwide outreach service.

ARCOS is not a private clinic. We depend upon charitable grants and donations to maintain a high quality of service. Fees are charged for assessment, therapy and training services. A great deal of information and advice is provided free charge.

ARCOS works in collaboration with the NHS and other organizations working directly with clients and with their families. In order to promote comprehensive help and support, we expect to liaise with the client's GP and other professionals involved. ARCOS provides training for professionals including doctors, therapists, nurses and teachers. The NHS, throughout the UK purchases the majority of ARCOS training courses for professional staff. ARCOS also provides training for relatives and other carers.

Well done Pauline! On Sunday, 2nd June, Pauline Brauckmann tackled the challenge of her first triathlon to raise money for ARCOS. You can still support Pauline by visiting her JustGiving page: http://www.justgiving.com/Pauline-Brauckmann For more information and pictures please follow this link for the full story

Volunteers Needed

SMILE is looking to recruit volunteers to work in our multi-sensory room with children and their families. The type of children attending the centre will have a wide range of disabilities and/or special educational needs.

All volunteers will be supervised and supported by an experienced practitioner; times and days are flexible but would need to be on a regular basis.

If you have experience working with children and are interested in developing your skills please contact Samantha Jones on 01684 576795.