Together we can get through this...

As published in The Sentinel Newspaper 08/01/21

After days of speculation and uncertainty for education, health and social care – and many more besides – the latest announcement of tougher Covid-19 restrictions this week at least offers some short-term certainty for parents and practitioners amongst the gloom.

The ‘stay at home’ message delivered by government provides a clarity that mirrors the initial lockdown last March and will allow the health service to get on top of spiralling infection rates and set us on a course for normality.

As the CEO of a disabled children’s charity we’ve seen first-hand how tough that can, and will, be for people. However, I am also keenly aware of the importance of a functioning National Health Service and had seen the impact of it being stretched to its limits long before Covid-19.

That is precisely why I am concerned about the potential long-term impact the restrictions we’re all living under will have on young people with disabilities and their families.

Just to be absolutely clear, the government’s decision to tighten restrictions is the right one - public health must be prioritised as we collectively pull together while the vaccine is administered and the infection rate is brought under control.

When we reach the other side, however, big decisions will need to be made on the provision of health and social care – especially for children with special educational needs (SEND) and disabilities.

An Ofsted report published recently found that the forced reductions in education and health services during the pandemic has increased the burden on families who are often juggling working and other family or caring commitments. Many reported feeling “abandoned”.

Today I want to reassure those families, and anyone who needs us, that at Caudwell Children we are doing all we can, alongside the NHS and local authorities, to provide services – as every local charity is doing right now. 

The message I want to deliver is this: we can help, so please sign up for the services that we offer.

We have an expert team that includes in-house multidiscipline clinical team dedicated to autism spectrum disorder assessments – plus a Family Services team with vast experience of helping deliver the support families need.

Last year we supported 2,500 disabled children despite the restrictions, and this year we want to go further. Together we can get through.

We’re still running our regular Short Breaks activity clubs, albeit virtually, that offer a two-hour session for disabled children in Staffordshire. The sessions offer fun activities that explore young people’s interests, help them make new friends and provide a break for parents and carers.

On top of that we’ll also continue our Digital Skills programme – helping prepare young people with autism in the West Midlands for the world of work.

For families struggling with fuel poverty during the winter months we’ll still be running our Warm Homes scheme. It’s a programme set up to help families with a disabled child overcome fuel poverty and is open to families in Stoke-on-Trent and a handful of other areas across the Midlands and North-West.

Details to apply, or donate, are on our website alongside details of all of the other services we offer – plus volunteer roles we have available if you have any time to help us transform the lives of disabled children and their families in Staffordshire and right across the UK.

If you are finding things tough at the moment, I’d urge you not to expect too much of yourself. This is a difficult and unpredictable time – especially for parent whose children have additional needs. Be honest, try to find a routine and only do what’s manageable for you and your child.

We know, just like everything else, that our services will not quite be the same as usual for a little while. But for families entering the tenth month of coronavirus restrictions our programmes could be a vital lifeline. So please use them. www.caudwellchildren.com

Caudwell Children’s motto is Whatever It Takes – and it has never been more relevant.