Our Fledglings shop is 25 years old!

2 mins read

Monday 12 June 2023

Tags: fledglings, shop, toys, clothing, aids & equipment, disability products

Yesterday, Sunday 11th June 2023, our not-for-profit Fledglings shopped turned 25!

Fledglings’ story

Fledglings was born in 1998 out of founder Ruth Lingard’s passion and drive to help parents and carers of children with special needs find simple solutions to everyday challenges they face. As a special needs teacher and social worker, Ruth had a wealth of experience helping families and children, and Fledglings gave her an opportunity to reach more people in need.

“Fledglings, if you were my baby I would now be a proud parent. Congratulations! I will be toasting your successes today. Here’s to the next 25 years.”

Fledglings founder Ruth Lingard

In February 2019, Fledglings joined Contact. Like Fledglings, we were founded by families of disabled children, who recognised that even if their child’s conditions were different, they shared a common experience – of being a family with a disabled child. They understood how important it is to support each other.

Every purchase supports our vital work

Today, our shop stocks over 1,000 products, and over the years we’ve been able to support around 30,000 families.

And every purchase made in our Fledglings shop helps us support help even more UK families with our information, advice and support.

Read more about the Fledglings story so far.

And if you have not visited for a while, take a look at our New In collection. If you don’t see what you need, get in contact with us and just ask. Think of us as a personal shopper for specialist products!

We’re looking forward to supporting families for another 25 years!