The Chronicle Sunshine Fund transforms the lives of babies, children and young adults up until their 19th birthday, who are disadvantaged through disability. We are the North East's largest equipment provider, supporting over 630 children annually through equipment provision, family support services and inclusive events. We aim to have a service provider at each family session so that families can access support such as free paediatric first aid training and welfare reviews. Each session will be open to the whole family ensuring precious memories are made and our sessions are benefitting all family members. We will simultaneously run bespoke and adapted activities, within the same room/venue, to entertain the children giving the parents the chance to relax and communicate together. These activities will include neuro diverse sensory play, sing and sign sessions and a fully accessible Santa’s grotto.

What we'll deliver:

• Host 4 fully inclusive events for disabled children and their families
• Hire a venue, entertainment, activities and provide refreshments
• Host a parents sessions with paediatric first aid training

Why it's a great idea:

We want to bring families together to make special memories and form support networks with people who understand the struggles of raising a child with complex needs or terminal illness. Carers have told us their disabled children spend a much higher proportion of their time with them therefore have less opportunities to socialise outside of school and maintain friendships in the same way that children their own age do. It is essential that children living with disabilities are given the same opportunities to interact socially and enjoy the same activities and experiences as others their age. Without these interventions, many children will suffer from low self esteem and mental health issues which severely impacts their physical and emotional wellbeing. Our events will help unlock hidden potential contributing to equal opportunities throughout the child's lifetime. At the same time, parent/carers are more likely to suffer social isolation, anxiety and stress due to feeling alone.

Steps to get it done:

• Securing training or support providers for each session

The North East is disproportionately impacted by the cost of living crisis. Our region has some of the highest numbers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the UK. There are tens of thousands of children living with SEND in our locality. The ramification of the current socio-economic situation means many disabled children living in our region are some of the most disadvantaged within the UK. These vulnerable children and their families are now beginning the arduous recovery from having been exposed to the devastating consequences of the pandemic.