“Disabled children and young people and their families making choices, creating and sustaining the change they want to see, having ambition and following their dreams.”
We were set up in 2010 by a group of local parents and carers, with the aim of improving the lives of disabled children, young people and their families across East Kent. This area, in the generally well-off south east of England, includes some very deprived neighbourhoods, especially in Thanet and Swale. Since being set up, we have operated in a climate of austerity and uncertainty which has seen many small charities close and services reduce – at a tough time when the need for family support has increased. We are here to represent the views and experiences of parents and carers, to fight for support, and to enable families to make things better.
We receive grants from Kent County Council that help towards the cost of our staff and services such as offering play and stay activities for children and days out for families. We also currently receive a 3-year grant from the National Lottery Community Fund for our family support service. These grants help with staff costs, trustee, staff and parent/carer training and workshops and promotion of our services. We are always thrilled to receive one-off donations from local groups like the Masons, the Rotary, golf and social clubs; they really make a difference whether it’s for a Christmas party, some specialist equipment or a bespoke training workshop for parents/carers. Our annual report tells everyone what we’ve received in the previous financial year, what we have spent the money on and why. Our next annual report will be available in October 2021, and you can see our previous annual reports on the Charity Commission website here.