Introduction of Clubs and Activities
Introducing activities was a key goal for the Midlands Spastic Association (MSA), following its establishment in 1947.
Members of the MSA had noted that both children and adults with cerebral palsy had faced limited social interactions. This was largely due to physical barriers in accessing public events and widespread ableism.
Therefore two key figures in the MSA, Mavis Barrett and Peter Barrett, undertook developments to make activities accessible.
Mavis was a Senior Welfare Officer in the MSA. Her husband Peter later joined the department as an Assistant Welfare Officer. As a result of their hard work and efforts, a broad range of social clubs were founded.
Image of Youth Club Puppet Group.
Source: Midland Spastic Association Report, March 1956.
Craft Classes
Prior to the creation of social clubs, one of the first welfare facilities on offer were craft classes. The classes were open to both men and women, with opportunities to make high-grade craftwork or diversional craftwork. These craft classes set a precedent for further activities to be offered.
Youth Club
Following on from the craft classes, the first youth club (also known as the Helping Hand Youth Club) was founded by Mavis Barrett and Peter Barrett in 1954, with Stephen Quayle as president.
The youth club gave young adults with cerebral palsy the opportunity to meet up with people of their own age. The youth club undertook many activities. For example, the youth club set up their own puppet group as well as organising their own carol service.
The creation of the youth club was a monumental moment, providing opportunities for young people with cerebral palsy to participate in a range of activities and residential trips. This can be seen in the visits to Barnes Close.
Image of Youth Club Carol Service.
Source: Midland Spastic Association Report, March 1956.
Adult Club and Adventurers’ Club
A year later an adult club, also known as the Pathfinders club, was introduced in 1955. Similar to the youth club, the adult club facilitated a great range of opportunities for those with cerebral palsy. Activities on offer included film shows, panel games and concerts. There were also residential trips to Windmill House.
An adventurers’ club was then founded in 1959. Both clubs were successful in their establishment, allowing service users with similar interests to socialise, try new activities and learn new skills.
Play Centre
In addition to social clubs, a play centre was developed in 1956 to arrange social activities.
The play centre ran classes and clubs for smaller children aged between two and twelve who were not old enough to attend Carlson House School.
The play centre became very popular amongst the younger children, as seen in the increasing numbers of attendance.
Midland Spastic Association Welfare Facilities Document, July 1955
The MSA Welfare Facilities Document reveals how many people attended each club and how frequently the clubs were held. The document highlights the popularity of the clubs. For example by July 1955, a total of twenty individuals participated in the craft classes, just three years after the craft classes were established in 1952. Additionally, the adult club had around twenty members by 1955. The increase in participation in such a short space of time shows there was a high level of interest and engagement in the clubs and classes on offer. This interest is reflected below in the MSA Welfare Facilities Document.
Statistics from Midland Spastic Association Welfare Facilities Document, July 1955
First Mens’ Craft Class – 7 adults who met two days per week, producing high grade craftwork.
Second Mens’ Craft Class – 6 adults who met one day per week, producing diversional craftwork.
Womens’ Craft Class – 7 adults who met one afternoon per week, producing diversional craftwork.
Childrens’ Play Centre – 8 pre-school and school-age children who met one afternoon per week, run on Nursery Class/Occupation Centre lines.
Youth Club – 16 teenagers who met one night per week, activities included: talks, films, drama, choir, percussion band, puppetry, wall newspaper, canteen, prayers and committee.
Adult Club – 20 adults who met monthly, activities included visiting the library, socials and outings.
Pictured Right:
Image of Midland Spastic Association Welfare Facilities Document.
Source: Midland Spastic Association Welfare Facilities Document, July 1955.
Midland Spastic Association Report, March 1956
The Midland Spastic Association Report from March 31st 1956 recognised the importance of these activities and clubs.
The report described the clubs as “enormously valuable” and that it would be “difficult to overestimate the importance of the regular handicraft classes and of the Helping Hand Youths’ Club” for those with cerebral palsy.
These quotes emphasise how the activities on offer were greatly valued by all, allowing service users to develop their creativity skills and enhance their wellbeing.
Pictured Right
Front cover of Midland Spastic Association Report, March 1956.
Source: Midland Spastic Association Report, March 1956.
Statistics from Midland Spastic Association Welfare Department Document. Work in Birmingham, 1957
The statistics below show the attendance at the MSA’s clubs and activities in 1957. The youth club in particular became popular amongst teenagers, leading to an increase in participation.
Number attending MSA (Midlands Spastic Association) as of 1957:
Craft Classes = 14
Adult Club = 16
Youth Club = 23
Play Centre = 5
The creation of the clubs and play centre gave individuals greater independence. Especially for younger service users, it offered them the opportunity to make their own decisions and try new activities for themselves.
To this day, social events are still a highly valued part of CPM with individuals taking part in residential trips and a broad variety of activities such as horse riding, music, art and pottery to name a few. CPM now has its own ‘Being Heard’ Music Group which recently performed its own production called ‘Every Life Has Its Purpose’.
Overall, the introduction of clubs and activities has had a hugely important effect on the development of charity. The clubs and activities have facilitated service users to develop new interests in a range of hobbies, providing the chance to socialise and build friendships with peers.
References
1. Midland Spastic Association, ‘The Helping Hand Youth Club’ (1954 – 1964).
2. Midland Spastic Association, Welfare Facilities Document, July 1955.
3. Midland Spastic Association Report, March 1956.
4. Midland Spastic Association, Welfare Department Document. Work in Birmingham, 1957.
5. Siviter, A. History of Cerebral Palsy Midlands, August 2011.
Written by Holly
History Undergraduate
July 2026
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