Reacher star inspired by 'extraordinary' charity

Sonya Cassidy, who plays Susan Duffy in Reacher, used to volunteer at the charity growing up

The star of an Amazon Prime series said she has been inspired by the "extraordinary" work of a charity which supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND.)

Sonya Cassidy, who stars in the crime series Reacher, has been back to Springboard Opportunity Group in Clevedon in Somerset, where she used to volunteer.

"It has stayed very close to my heart and I hope more people are aware of the work they do," she told BBC Points West.

Ms Cassidy is an ambassador for the charity, which offers early education to children in the county under the age of five.

Sonya Cassidy as Susan Duffy alongside Alan Ritchson's Jack Reacher

"I was made very aware of the importance of places like Springboard through my friend's sibling.

As a family they had to deal with a lot more than those who don't have children with SEND," said Ms Cassidy, who grew up in nearby Nailsea.

Ms Cassidy plays tough Boston DEA officer Susan Duffy in Reacher, which is based on the Jack Reacher book series and has been viewed more than 50 million times.

Her other credits include Vera, The Tudors and The Paradise.

Springboard helps children below the age of five

"Springboard not only provide an incredible, supportive, fun, empowering environment for young children but they are there for families at a time when there is so much to think about," she said.

"I don't think we see disability and additional needs represented on screen anywhere near enough so it's something that's not on peoples' radars.

"Seeing the work they do to support families as well as the kids is extraordinary."

Springboard, now in its 40th year, has four different locations across North Somerset.

"Most of our work with children is around developing their communication skills, their interaction skills, and sense of self," said Ruth Glover, the charity's CEO.

"We do get the same amount of funding that other nurseries get but that only covers half of our costs, so the rest we have to raise through fundraising activity or through applying for grants."

Ms Glover said it is "hugely important" to have Ms Cassidy on board.

"She brings a humanity and a joy to the work that we do and she promotes our ethos incredibly well," she added.