Contact is here to help in lots of ways

3 mins read

Monday 5 October 2020

Parents of disabled children often talk of the challenges finding products to help with their child’s needs. Contact’s not for profit Fledglings shop is full of practical products especially designed for children with additional needs.

In the summer we had a limited number of vouchers to give to families we support, to buy something from our Fledglings shop. We hope to be able to give out more in the future. Here one family who talks about the difference it made to them:

Brenda, Phil and Emilia Leonard

“Our daughter Millie is five and has moderate right-sided hemiplegia, dystonia and possible ASD. Due to COVID-19 she has not had an AFO (splint) fitting for six months and her walking has deteriorated. She falls often and suffers with cramps and spasms. Pain was impacting so badly on Millie’s sleep, behaviour – and in turn our family life – that she recently became a part-time wheelchair user.

My husband and I run a Care Farm in Devon for children with additional needs, so much of our life is spent outdoors, in all weathers. It’s very important to Millie that she is fully involved! Unfortunately her need for a wheelchair coincided with lockdown and our business completely shutting. Funds were really tight, so it was a massive relief to receive a £50 voucher to use in Contact’s online Fledglings shop.

We bought a waterproof half cover for Millie’s wheelchair and a second side-sloping plate identical to one our physio provided. The website was easy to use and the products were delivered really quickly.

The rain cover is crucial – we wouldn’t be able to include Millie in ¾ of our daily activities without it. And it sounds ridiculous, but having a second plate has made an incredible difference to our lives. We can get through the day without having to constantly hand wash the same plate for every meal.

I’m really grateful for Contact’s ongoing support. Before Millie was officially diagnosed, Contact’s HemiHelp web pages provided vital information. The HemiHelp Facebook page allows me to connect with other hemi families (and learn about Contact services ) Next I plan to use Contact’s helpline Education advisors in my fight to get Millie an EHC plan at school.”

Trusted support

Contact provides trusted support and information in lots of ways – through our website and free helpline, parent guides and fact sheets, workshops and other resources. Our not for profit and online Fledglings shop is full of practical products especially designed for children with additional needs. And we also bring families together to share experiences and advice.

As a not for profit shop every purchase made directly helps us continue supporting families with disabled children across the UK.

Why not check out the New Arrivals, our range of Best Sellers and  products our parents and carers recommend in our Fledglings shop.

And take a look at our information and advice for families with children with hemiplegia, continuing the work of the UK charity HemiHelp.