Harry's legacy lives on with new after-school club for neurodivergent children
A new specialist after-school programme for neurodivergent children has launched at The Green Patch in Kettering - a place that holds special meaning for the family funding the project.
The six-month programme, funded by Harry's Fund with a grant of over £4,500, is now supporting a group of local primary schoolchildren who have been diagnosed with or are awaiting assessment for autism and ADHD.
Harry Chadwick himself – who passed away seven years ago aged 19 after battling cancer - attended The Green Patch when he was a student at Isebrook School in Kettering, and he loved it.
Sessions include gardening, arts and crafts, cooking, and other therapeutic activities tailored to the children's needs and interests.
Jessica Pilkington, Harry's mum and co-founder of Harry's Fund, said: "We're delighted to support Groundwork Northamptonshire's vital work. This project is particularly special to us because Harry himself attended The Green Patch - it was one of his most favourite things to do.
"This project addresses a real gap in provision for neurodivergent children in the county. We know from our own experience with Harry, who himself was autistic, how challenging life can be, and how important it is for young people to have access to safe, supportive spaces where they can build confidence and friendships.
"This is exactly the kind of project Harry's Fund was created to support - helping young people with additional needs to thrive and reach their potential."
David Chadwick, Harry's dad and co-founder of Harry's Fund, said: "Visiting The Green Patch recently brought back so many memories of Harry. He absolutely loved it here - the freedom to explore, the hands-on activities, the supportive environment. Seeing this new club in action and knowing it's creating similar experiences for other children who need this kind of space is incredibly meaningful to us as a family."
Kimberley Lawson, Operations Director of Groundwork Northamptonshire said: "We're incredibly grateful to Harry's Fund for making this project possible. There is a real SEND crisis in Northamptonshire, with families experiencing long waiting lists and a significant lack of specialist provision.
"Many neurodivergent children struggle to access mainstream after-school activities, which can lead to isolation and missed opportunities for social development. Our programme will provide a calm, structured environment where children can build trusted relationships, develop new skills, and simply enjoy being themselves."
The project is working in partnership with a local primary school to identify children who would benefit from the provision. A team of four specialist practitioners delivers weekly sessions, which also include a supervised 'walking bus' to collect children from school, promoting physical activity and removing transport barriers for families.
To find out more about Harry's Fund and how to donate or support their work: