Thank you for supporting our BBC Lifeline Appeal
In December we were thrilled to be featured on BBC Lifeline Appeal.
BBC Lifeline Appeal is a 10 minute TV programme that goes out every month, raise awareness about the charity’s work, the impact on service users and raising money to support.
Hosted by the lovely Claire Skinner, the appeal featured stories from Elliott, Reegan and Georgia who have received help from three different types of Kids services.
Please continue to share with family and friends – your support will make a big difference and enable us to continue to provide vital services.
Thank you to everyone that watched and supported our appeal. Your support is giving families with a disabled thrive, not just survive.
Once we have the final total, we will update you.
Presented by renowned actor Claire Skinner
“Like all mums, I know that family life can have its strains. For families with disabled children that strain can become extremely challenging and stretch a family to its limits. That’s where Kids step in. They will support the child, but they also support the whole family. Their incredible staff give practical help, emotional support, guidance, advice and most importantly help the families that they work with to thrive, not just to survive.
Whatever their child’s condition and right up to the age of 25, Kids will be there to help families feel stronger and get the advice they need to help their children to thrive. From hands-on work with babies to specialist playgrounds and support for young disabled people on the cusp of adulthood, Kids ensure that every child reaches their potential.
Let’s meet just some of the families that Kids works with. As you will see, Kids brings fun, adventure, learning and independence to thousands of disabled children and young people every year.”
The stories featured
Meet Elliott
“Elliott is 3 years old and received home learning support from Kids between the ages of 6 months until he was two and half. He has Down’s syndrome and as a result of an operation to separate his fused fingers, he has less strength and different shaped fingers. Through weekly home visits from his Home Learning Practitioner he was able to develop his motor skills, get help with sensory issues to support his needs. Our home learning sessions specialise in breaking down developmental aims into small, achievable steps using play as a tool as well as empowering parents to continue to build on their child’s development.
As a result of this early intervention, Elliott was able to receive practical help with things like sitting, rolling and picking up things. Elliott’s mum, Sharon, says “Thanks to the support that Elliott received, he was able to move into a nursery which he really enjoys.”
Meet Reegan
Reegan is seven, has autism,(which also causes him to have ADHD and anxiety) and has received support from our Lady Allen Adventure Playground for two years. He initially struggled with communication which has improved as he had got older however his anxiety and sensory issues have worsened. Reegan is very adventurous and loves the outdoors which is why the playground is ideal.
Kids Adventure Playgrounds provide children with a safe and secure space to enjoy free, accessible play as well as making new friends and taking part in activities. For parents it can give them a break to do everyday tasks like food shopping, cleaning up or spending time with a sibling, knowing that their child is safe and having fun.
Carleigh, Reegan’s mum says “Kids gives our children a chance to feel safe and comfortable. There is no judgement and everyone understands.”
Meet Georgia
Georgia has been supported by Kids since she was a toddler. She initially began receiving support through the a Mother & Baby group shortly after being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and over the years has accessed various services such as short breaks, holiday play schemes and youth clubs. She is now a prominent member of our Young People’s Engagement Group (YPEG).
Our services for young people empower them to find their voice, learn new skills and develop independence as they start this next chapter in their lives.
Georgia says “ Being part of Kids YPEG has helped me with my confidence, make new friends as well as the opportunity to train Local Authorities on issues that affect young disabled people. The support I have received over the years has helped me become the person that I am.
Georgia’s mum, Donna, says “I don’t know what we would have done without Kids. They have been there at any point that we needed them.“