Family Support and Advice
We are passionate about providing an holistic support network to our families and are committed to ensuring they receive the help and support they are entitled to, including financial benefits, care, education and wider support. We have parent advocates, including our Trustee Dan McEvoy who have expertise in dealing with local authority bodies and who are happy to provide a listening ear and represent our families rights and needs.
Our Trustee James Pantling-Skeet, Community Care Solicitor has prepared a very comprehensive guide to Disability Law, covering key topics such as EHCP’S to personal budgets. James also regularly produces exclusive DCF webinars.
Support Groups
We are delighted to offer our families a range of support groups and we help partially fund independent groups SENturians and Doors Open. They offer guidance, support, information and advice to parent/carers, host weekly meetings and offer events and activities during the holidays for families to attend together in a safe non-judgmental environment.
Parents/Carer Activities
We hold regular events and activities for our parent/carers so they can spend time with people who understand. We host coffee mornings, activities such as yoga, paddle boarding and a sewing group where family members can learn to make adapted clothing. Beginners always welcome.
Disability Equipment
At DCF we recognise that there are many costs associated with raising a disabled child. We understand that these are not always covered by statutory services so we help families find other ways to provide the funds needed.
Where a piece of equipment is needed, we will first try and work with families and statutory services to find a way for equipment to be provided – we are building a stock of popular items that can be accessed on a cost free, long-term loan basis. In some circumstances if funding is available the trustees may agree a grant for the purchase of equipment.
Disability Awareness and Education
At the DCF we are absolutely passionate about educating people about disability and showing the world how amazing our children are.
We firmly believe that disability awareness should be taught in all primary schools as today’s children will be the driving force toward a more inclusive society. We support Paddy’s Purpose, a fun interactive initiative designed by Gemma, mum of Paddy, to challenge how the world sees disability. Over the last few years they have delivered their powerful message to over 3000 school children.
https://www.facebook.com/paddyspurpose
We also support Awesome Archie On Tour. Archie and his mum Rebecca were present at one of Paddy’s Purpose workshops a few years ago and have been inspired to develop their own awareness workshops talking about living with Autism.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3650909864922453/.
Give Kids The World
The DCF are delighted that we have been accepted as an official Wish Giving Partner for Give Kids The World. This is a nonprofit ‘storybook’ resort in Florida, where children with life-threatening illnesses and their families are treated to a weeklong cost-free holiday.