CHILDREN ACHIEVING LIFELONG MOVEMENT

There is no doubt that a major impact of the pandemic on disabled children was in not being able to access vital services such as therapies and physio. Given that services were already stretched before Covid, post pandemic these services have not recovered. Parents took on additional caring responsibilities during this period but without professional input they have reported that amongst a range of issues it was difficult to maintain specific mobility and rehabilitation exercises, critical to prevent permanent loss of movement and muscle tone. This in turn has also impacted on children’s sense of isolation and emotional wellbeing in the longer term.

Thanks to generous donations during 2023, we have been able to help further children, including Rory who has been severely impacted by a stroke when he was just 4 years old. When we first met Rory and his mum, she was devastated by watching his physical progress regress since leaving hospital where he had received therapy sessions most days but once he returned home was only receiving this vital physical therapy once a fortnight. He now receives two sessions with CALM each week, his parents get the help and support to continue with exercises at home and as a result Rory is back making enormous progress and will continue to do so for as long as he receives the help any and all children like him should get. We are still entirely dependent upon donations and are therefore constantly seeking funding support. Any help you can give will make a tremendous difference. Thank you.