We know that many families have to struggle through a maze of services to track down essential information, and then jump through hoops to receive support.  We also understand that whether or not a family receives support could be based on where they live.

Our Family Services offer vital support to families caring for a disabled child or young person.  The service can provide telephone, email and face to face support to help families to make informed choices and gain access to equipment, treatment, therapies, support and the local services they need.

Families attending the Caudwell international Children’s Centre (CICC) will benefit from our in house team of Family Support workers and volunteers, who will work alongside our clinical team to break down any barriers that the families joining our new Autism Service are facing.

Running alongside is our Hospital Service which can provide a life line to families, at times of diagnosis and treatment delivered with warmth, compassion and friendliness by our dedicated volunteers.

Caudwell Children’s Family Support programme offers families with a disabled or seriously ill child (0-18) the support they need.  The free service works around the needs of families, using skilled volunteers to help with practical necessities like applying for grants, finding local support groups and information about medical conditions.

How We Help:

• Emergency intervention at times of crisis e.g., help in dealing with housing, education, family or social difficulties
• Information on local and specialist support services
• Information relating to medical conditions
• Linking families and children together to form support networks
• Home from hospital support
• Identify grants and sources of funding
• Assisting with applications for statutory and third sector support

Our home support services are only available in specific areas

Testimony:

“I needed help to build up my strength and heal physically, bit by bit, and you encouraged me every step of the way and listened to my every concern and helped phase me back into parenthood which enabled me to be a carer to my children.”

Family Support beneficiary

ENQUIRY FORM

Caudwell Children will provide 70%-80% of the funding required for a piece of equipment depending on the whole cost

Specialist equipment plays a vital role in not only protecting the health of disabled children and their carers but can also enhance and enrich their lives.  Following the lead of parents and health care professionals, we provide essential and much needed equipment that is not always available from statutory services.  Where we can, we work with local agencies and other charities to ensure that children get the equipment they need as quickly as possible.

Early provision of equipment can prevent the developments of associated health problems, stimulate movement and provide essential physiotherapy.  There is also a substantial body of research illustrating the benefits of good equipment on quality of life.  Equipment can also play a social role, helping a child to get the most out of life, maintaining their quality of life and helping those who care for them.

Caudwell Children provide a range of mobility and sensory equipment which are not only essential for the safety and well-being of a disabled child but can also promote independence and encourage children to exceed their aspirations.

How We Help

• Bespoke high-functionality powered wheelchairs
• Specialised mobility buggies
• Bespoke therapy tricycles
• Specialised car seat and harnesses
• Multi-sensory Equipment
• Specialised sports equipment

Testimony:

“Growing up my favourite story has always been “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” When I got my powered wheelchair I felt like I had gone from being a caterpillar to as free as a butterfly”

Tilly, Caudwell Children beneficiary

EQUIPMENT

Where medical treatment is not statutorily available on the NHS but has been recommended by a UK-based medical professional, Caudwell Children can provide support to assist with self-funding.

Where treatment falls outside of the charity’s core services we may assist in the provision of:

• Fundraising support – information and guidance from one of our dedicated professional fundraising team.
• Publicity and promotion – encouraging the general public to support your campaign by creating marketing materials and liaising with the media or general public.
• Administration – safe and legal collection of all funds raised and collection of Gift Aid contributions, including the management of online donation tools i.e. Just Giving/Virgin Money Giving in accordance with Charity Commission/HMRC regulations.
• Logistics/Payments – coordinating payments to the correct UK and overseas organisations for the necessary treatment and associated costs (Hospitals, Airlines, Hotels etc.)

How We Help:

• Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR)
• Proton Beam Therapy and cancer treatments
• New treatment (evaluated upon application)

Testimony:

“Leo used to drag himself around on his knees, he was desperate to run in the playground like his friends.  We were preparing for a lifetime of operations, but since having his SDR he has been making steady progress and is up on his feet walking and starting to run.  The future for Leo looks completely different now.”

Joanne, Mum to Leo who has Cerebral Palsy

SDR

Conditions such as cerebral palsy, brain tumour, hemiplegia, congenital brain injury on an injury acquired through trauma or illness can affect a child’s posture, balance, ability to move, communicate, eat sleep and learn. 

Diagnosis can be upsetting for any parents, and while they may worry about their child’s future, there are many options when it comes to improving the potential outcomes for the child in addition to those offered through NHS services.  Therapy can play a vital role in managing the physical impairment while optimising a child’s mobility with the aim of promoting the most normal, manageable and healthy life style possible.

The benefits can be numerous including improvements in pain management, self-care and independence and as a result it can completely change their lives

How We Help:

• Conductive education

Conductive Education

Conductive Education is a learning system, designed to enable disabled children and adults achieve greater independence.

It was developed in Hungary, but British therapists and teachers have used elements of the system for over 30 years and now there are a number of British qualified conductors/teachers. Conductive Education may be appropriate for children and adults who have problems with movement, but it is not a cure.

It is important to establish if Conductive Education is suitable for you and your child, and so an assessment or initial visit to a service is necessary if you are considering this approach.

Testimony:

“The difference in our son is unbelievable, he now sleeps better, eats better, is more alert and sits independently!  The list goes on!  Without therapy he definitely wouldn’t have progressed and developed as much as he has”

Ben’s Mum

APPLICATION FORM

Supported Holidays

When a family faces losing a child due to a terminal illness or complex medical condition, there is very little that anyone can do to ease their pain and give them hope for the future. Our holiday gives children and their families the chance to create precious memories to be cherished forever.

Short Break Activities

Children with special needs are often socially excluded by their peers, are more likely to be bullied at school and may find it difficult to access local leisure activities.

We believe that all disabled children and young people should be able to enjoy high quality and inclusive activities.  A short break can give a disabled child or young person the opportunity to do the things that they enjoy or try something new whilst spending time with other young people.  It can also provide parents and carers with a regular planned break from their responsibilities.

Caudwell Children run a variety of activities during school holidays and weekends. All sessions are supported by experienced and friendly staff and volunteers. Our activity programmes include practical life skills, sports, expressive arts, accredited ASDAN courses and also family trips. We aim to improve the quality of life for families particularly if they feel they are in crisis or experiencing difficulties.

How We Help:

• Variety of fun and exciting activity programmes
• Accredited ASDAN courses
• Life skills
• Family trips

Testimony:

“The activities were very well organised and inclusive for both children.  They were both able to participate in activities that they otherwise would not be able to.  As well as making new friends, the children had an amazing time.”

Mum whose children attend short break sessions

LEARN MORE ABOUT SHORT BREAKS