Become a Friend of Beams and bring a smile to children with disabilities this Christmas.
We Are Beams support the most vulnerable in our community by offering a menu of services that directly benefit and assist those dealing with the challenges of raising a disabled child. The disabled children and young people who access the services will typically have one or more learning difficulty, complex health needs, physical or sensory impairment, challenging behaviour, Autism or severe ADHD
Beams support 450 children throughout the year and Christmas is particularly busy; many families will dread this normally happy time with many of the ‘festive traditions’ feeling like demands for those children that thrive on routines, resulting in increased anxiety or meltdowns.
Families will usually refrain from taking children with disabilities to busy and loud events such as the panto or Father Christmas.
We Are Beams ensure that all children whatever their disability are able to enjoy this time of the year.
The experienced staff in Short Breaks arrange a number of fun activities for all children including those requiring one to one care. All additional needs are cared for so children can have fun and experience days out and events such as a circus workshop, ‘sign along’, panto and of course a Christmas Party!
Tracey Riley, Shortbreaks manager has been working for Beams for over 25 years says,
‘Whilst Christmas should be a fun time for all the family, for a child with disabilities it is often upsetting and overwhelming. The experienced staff at Beams know the children and are able to adapt and provide Christmas activities in a safe environment, allowing parents to spend time with other children or have a day off safe in the knowledge that their child’s every need is being taken care of”
For families that require additional support, the Family Advice Team will be on hand in the lead up to Christmas with weekly groups and face-to-face clinics providing ideas and tactics to survive the festive period.
Rosie a parent, describes her experience at Beams,
“Caring for a disabled child will be one of the most difficult things a family can face. The whole team at Beams throw a life line when families hit rock bottom and can see no way out. Beams ‘get it’ and offer both emotional support and
financial advice”
In order to continue our care services We Are Beams depend on the generosity of our local community to raise £1.6 million.
£5 will provide a nutritional meal for a child that is staying with us or £10 funds an initial phone call between a parent in crisis and a Beams Family Advisor or a Christmas activity.
Please help us to ensure we are there for every family who may need us in the future.
Text FRIENDOFBEAMS TO 70085 TO DONATE £5
Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you will be opting into hearing more from us. If you would like to donate but do not wish to hear more from us, please text FRIENDOFBEAMSNOINFO instead.
For further information please contact Call 01322 668501 x 5 or email fundraising@wearebeams.org.uk
www.wearebeams.org.uk