The Multi School Council, led by director Kierran Pearce, was established in 2012 to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The council, consisting of students from mainstream, special secondary, and primary schools, focuses on empowering these children to make a difference in their education, thereby enhancing their social skills and confidence.
In March, the council received an NHS SEND award in the ‘co-production category’ for its collaborative approach in involving young people in designing policies and plans alongside health and education providers. As part of their initiatives, the council’s 160 ambassadors from Essex, who have SEND themselves, proposed the creation of an online shop featuring products adorned with the council’s logo symbolizing both mental and physical disabilities.
Kierran Pearce expressed that the idea for the online shop was driven by the young people themselves and aims to generate income for the council, which will be reinvested in organizing events for the youth. The online shop, hosted on Shopify, offers a range of products including water bottles, wrist bands, dog treat bags, rainbow seeds, and notebooks. These products, priced between £4 and £8.50, are designed based on the interests and needs of young people involved in the council.
The shop’s offerings reflect the council’s commitment to promoting animal therapy in schools, environmental sustainability through the planting of rainbow seeds, and providing a safe space for communication through notebooks. Kierran emphasized that while the items may not be extravagant, they are practical products that young people can use in their daily lives. The revenue generated from the online shop will support the council’s activities and benefit the young participants.
With plans to expand the product line and reach out to the 497 schools affiliated with the Multi School Council, the online shop aims to raise awareness about the council’s initiatives and foster a sense of community among young people with SEND. By purchasing products from the Multi School Council store, individuals can contribute to the council’s mission of empowering children with special educational needs and disabilities. Visit https://multischoolsshop.org/?utm_medium=shop_web to explore the diverse range of products available and support this impactful cause.
