Meet the team: Lakshmi, Trust Fundraiser

This is Lakshmi, one of our Trust Fundraisers. She's been working with Speech and Language UK since 2023 and is a vital member of the Philanthropy and Partnerships team! Here, she shares some insight into fundraising and her role. ??

What’s the most inspiring fundraising story you’ve come across in your role?

One of the most inspiring fundraising stories I’ve come across is Anthony’s journey. After attending our specialist schools, Meath and Dawn House, where he received life-changing speech and language support, Anthony went on to achieve incredible things. He studied at West Nottinghamshire College, won awards, including one for “Outstanding Student”, and has since taken on multiple marathons – including the London Marathon twice – to raise funds for Speech and Language UK. What makes his story so powerful is not just his achievements, but the transformation he experienced.

Before attending our schools, Anthony found it difficult to express himself and connect with others. With the right support, he built friendships, gained confidence, and developed essential life skills. His mum, Liz, said:

I truly believe that without Dawn House and Speech and Language UK, Anthony wouldn’t be in the position he is now.

Anthony’s story is a testament to the impact of the right speech and language support – but it’s also a reminder of the urgent need to reach more children like him. No child should struggle in silence when they have so much potential to thrive.

What’s one misconception people have about fundraising?

One big misconception about fundraising is that it’s just about asking for money. In reality, it’s about building meaningful relationships with funders, understanding their priorities, and aligning their passions with the impact that we as an organisation can deliver. For trust and foundation fundraising specifically, it’s not just about writing compelling applications. It’s about demonstrating credibility, impact, and the long-term difference that funding can make. It’s strategic, research-driven, and rooted in storytelling and stewardship.

What’s a creative way people can support Speech and Language UK beyond donations?

A creative way to support Speech and Language UK beyond donations is by leveraging your skills and network. For example, professionals can offer pro-bono support – whether it’s marketing, legal advice or tech support – to help us reach more children and young people struggling with speech and language challenges.

Another way to help beyond donations which is so impactful is through being an advocate. Simply sharing our mission on social media, introducing us to potential partners, or even hosting awareness events in workplaces and communities can amplify our reach. Championing our cause in everyday conversations helps create a more inclusive society, where no child is left behind, waiting to be understood.

If you could organise any fundraising event with unlimited resources, what would it be and why?

So many options! I would definitely consider creating an immersive escape-room-style experience where teams must complete challenges using scrambled or missing words. The Lost Words Adventure? The challenges could mirror the difficulties that children and young people with speech and language challenges face. We could work with them directly to ensure their lived experience shapes the challenges in a genuine and meaningful way, whilst also empowering them to share their voices and educate others on the reality of speech and language challenges. This would be a fun but eye-opening way for corporate teams, schools, and families to raise funds while gaining a deeper understanding of their experience.

Another idea is ‘The Silent Podcast Series’, where well-known podcast hosts attempt to record episodes with restricted vocabulary or alternative communication methods. This would give listeners a firsthand insight into the barriers that the 1.9 million children and young people face every day, while raising funds through sponsorships and donations. Both would spark conversation, build empathy, and help spread awareness, to ensure that every child struggling with talking and understanding words get the support they need to face the future with confidence.

We've got a few incredible opportunities to join our wonderful fundraising team! ??

Apply to join Speech and Language UK as a Trust Fundraiser or Senior Trust Fundraiser.