The Big Give

Having a child with cerebral palsy affects the whole family.

Classed as ‘vulnerable’, families living with cerebral palsy are at higher risk of mental health difficulties.

Allowing our families access to our Family Support Service right from the start of their journey with us supports and empowers their whole family, reducing the level of trauma and stress that they experience.

When families first contact us, they are often still recovering from birth trauma, trying to cope as a new parent and with the fact their child may have a disability. They often know little about cerebral palsy and feel hopeless. Families experience emotional issues such as guilt, anxiety, depression, PTSD, feel isolated and sometimes express feeling close to breaking point.

In our annual family support survey, 58% of families said their greatest need was emotional support, and 42% said they needed support with their mental health.   

Your donations will help us improve a family’s emotional and mental wellbeing through our dedicated Family Support Service

Our Family Support Service will offer specialist, tailored support to parents and/or carers right from the start.

It is the first point of contact for new family referrals and provides access to 1:1 support with an experienced parent councillor and/or a clinical psychologist, support during the child’s initial therapy sessions and ongoing support appointments either face-to-face or via phone or email. The service also facilitates a peer support network, reducing isolation, via a monthly playgroup. 

This May, we will be participating in The Big Give Kind²Mind. Taking place from 12pm on Tuesday 14th May until Tuesday 28th May, Kind²Mind will seek to support charities offering valuable services to address, prevent and raise awareness about mental health as part of their work. 

Every donation made towards our campaign during this time will be doubled, thanks to our match funding pot provided by the Big Give.