Celebrating little heroes

Heroes Academy
Inclusive. Passionate. Kind.

As a former speech therapist and mother of a child with additional needs, Chrissy Lee knew more could be done to allow children like her son to participate in the local community.

So, in 2018 she founded Heroes Academy. Heroes Academy runs free and fun event days for children with additional needs and their siblings.

The action-packed event days include jumping castles, silent discos, tower-building competitions and much more!

Chrissy has inspired dozens of professionals, including doctors, therapists and teachers, to volunteer their time at Heroes Academy event days.

Over 100 young ‘heroes’ have had the time of their lives at the six events that have been held so far, choosing the activities that most appeal to them.

“All of our activities are designed with our ‘heroes’ in mind, says Chrissy, a mum of two teenage boys. “Individual sensory, physical, medical and behavioural needs are all accounted for in the development of the programs so that all children can participate at a level suitable to them.”

Heroes Academy also provides some respite for parents and carers, who can head to the beach or have a nap while their children are expertly cared for.

“Ours is a service for the whole family,” says Chrissy.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The Heroes Academy will use its grant to create a sensory room to better accommodate the needs of young heroes.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here