Our Family Support Service helps families by providing practical and emotional support in the home and through our hospital and signposting services, giving assistance in applying for support and putting them in contact with local specialist services. 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: 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 On average a family with a disabled child need 5 pieces of specialist equipment to provide the basic level of care. We don’t believe in waiting lists for children. Early provision of equipment can prevent the development of associated health problems. 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 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 When trying to cope with the trauma of their child’s illness or disability, families face emotional, physical and financial turmoil. We fundraise to cover hospital expenses for life-saving treatments and provide care and practical support. 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: How We Help: 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 Movement disorders that present like cerebral palsy can mean that a child has difficulty controlling their muscles as they develop. Therapy can help children to reach their potential by increasing their mobility. 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 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 We believe that all disabled children and young people should be able to enjoy high quality and inclusive activities. A supported holiday or short break can give a young person the opportunity to try something new. 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. Destination Dreams This annual holiday to Florida for 25 families is accompanied by Caudwell Children staff, our own medical team and caring volunteers. What makes it different to other similar holidays is the all-encompassing support that it offers. Most parents of a severely ill or disabled children are reluctant to go far from home, let alone take a long haul flight across the Atlantic. However for most families the beacon of Disney and the other Orlando theme parks are their ultimate aim, but often it is a dream that is beyond their reach. Caudwell Children make it happen. From beginning to end families are nurtured, supported, and led through the detailed preparation and then the holiday itself. From passport and visa applications, equipment needs to oxygen requirements, literally we have thought of everything. Lovingly christened the “Purple People” by our families, our entire team make this a magical and truly unforgettable experience, which has often helped to carry them through their darkest days. How we help: Please note that this holiday is always over-subscribed and we cannot guarantee that you will be allocated a place. 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: 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 The Caudwell Children Autism Service (CCAS) provides assessment, intervention, and support for children with ASD and their families. This is done across a variety of services designed with your child and family in mind.Caudwell Children Services
Provides support for disabled children and their families.
Family Support
Family Support
Equipment
Equipment
Treatment
Treatment
Therapy
Therapy
Supported Breaks
Supported Holidays and Short Breaks
Autism Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Family Support Service helps families by providing practical and emotional support in the home and through our hospital and signposting services, giving assistance in applying for support and putting them in contact with local specialist services. On average a family with a disabled child need 5 pieces of specialist equipment to provide the basic level of care. We don’t believe in waiting lists for children. Early provision of equipment can prevent the development of associated health problems. When trying to cope with the trauma of their child’s illness or disability, families face emotional, physical and financial turmoil. We fundraise to cover hospital expenses for life-saving treatments and provide care and practical support. Movement disorders that present like cerebral palsy can mean that a child has difficulty controlling their muscles as they develop. Therapy can help children to reach their potential by increasing their mobility. We believe that all disabled children and young people should be able to enjoy high quality and inclusive activities. A supported holiday or short break can give a young person the opportunity to try something new. The Caudwell Children Autism Service (CCAS) provides assessment, intervention, and support for children with ASD and their families. This is done across a variety of services designed with your child and family in mind.Caudwell Children Services
Provides support for disabled children and their families.
Family Support
Equipment
Treatment
Therapy
Supported Breaks
Autism Service
Frequently Asked Questions
