Little Miracles, a charity supporting families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), reported that August was one of its busiest months since its establishment 15 years ago. The organization assisted over 8,000 individuals in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough during that month, providing services such as counseling, therapy, summer activities, and family support. The demand for the charity’s food bank also surged significantly, with reports of shelves needing to be restocked multiple times in a single day.
Louise Evans, head of income generation at Little Miracles, indicated that raising a child with additional needs can be isolating and costly. She noted that there has been an increase in demand for the charity’s services, particularly as other charities have scaled back their offerings. Families with children who have SEND can access the food bank without any conditions.
Throughout the summer, Little Miracles organized a range of free activities for families, including a summer festival and trips to activity centers, aiming to support families who may feel challenged due to the economic impact of raising children with disabilities. Evans highlighted the loneliness and heightened costs faced by these families, but emphasized the charity’s commitment to inclusivity and support.
The organization is primarily run by staff and volunteers and relies on fundraising to continue its work. However, it currently faces a long waiting list of parents seeking assistance. Evans mentioned that families typically receive help within two weeks of reaching out, amid ongoing challenges related to nationwide SEND school provisions. The charity offers support for families navigating Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCP) and school applications, striving to assist all who seek their help.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7v1e089rpro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss