JULY 2018
We have our Mobile Respite Home on site, in the New Forest and already we have booked this year’s school holiday Break, we have vacancies for out of term time, so it is worth contacting us.
We are now looking for sponsors and support to buy our second unit, and ultimately a more permanent Respite Holiday Centre
Our donations are currently directed to this project.
HISTORY
We are a small, local, non-profit making Charity that offers help to any child or family that have special needs. Terminally Ill, Disabled though Illness or Injury, all children are special, but some children and families need a little extra help, that is what our organisation is about, offering that extra help like Respite Care, Special Equipment, Travel costs, in fact we hope to help wherever that ‘extra’ is needed
Formed in May 2010, by an Ex Child Protection Social Work Manager, we already have a small number ‘friends of the Charity’
One term, many definitions: “Special Needs” is an umbrella underneath which a staggering array of diagnoses can be wedged. Children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound mental retardation; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems.
We have a self referral system which enables parents, relatives, Social Workers, Teachers etc. to make direct contact for help, red tape is cut to a minimum and an assessment is carried out by a Qualified Senior Social Worker
We have opened a ‘High Street Charity Shop’ in High Street Cosham to raise funds and we are desperate for donations of any kind to sell to help fund our work.
We have recently become associated with a Portsmouth City Council We have been chosen as one of the Lord Mayor Of Portsmouths three Charities.
David Fuller is also the Counsellor of Fratton ward He a lovely man who cares very much, with his help we are trying to raise enough money to buy a large Caravan or Mobile Home for respite, sited locally so that families could take advantage of a break, this often difficult with a disabled child, and we are hoping it would enable a safe environment for a holiday away from their usual environment, we envisage including transport, food and wheelchair friendly access.
Another project is to create a team of home carers, experienced with looking after children, they would be able to offer respite care in the Child’s home environment, from Baby Sitting duties to overnight stays giving parents respite from hands on caring.
In conclusion we have much to do and need as much help as we can, there is only one paid member of staff on a minimum wage all of our other help is purely on the basis of Volunteers
We would welcome any help to enable us to continue our work
Keith Shaw – CEO
If you feel you can help in any way whatsoever please make contact with me at my email address keithrichardshaw@gmail.com