Our Story: Safety for All, Advocacy for Change
At AJ And Friends C.I.C, we provide specialist care for children and young adults with profound multiple disabilities and life-limiting conditions. These incredible individuals live rich and joyful lives, filled with the same everyday moments as any other child.
Recently, one such moment turned into a life-threatening event.
An Everyday Outing with Unexpected Risks
One of the young people in our care was on a typical trip to McDonald’s—a setting where so many children enjoy a treat. But during lunch, they experienced a sudden choking incident. Despite the best efforts of staff and the public, we realized there was no choking assist device or defibrillator available on-site.
Our team’s swift actions and training saved her life, but the situation revealed an urgent gap in safety measures.
What Needs to Change?
This incident reminded us of two critical issues:
- Care providers need to be fully equipped with training and life-saving tools at all times.
- Care givers need training, to feel equipped to respond to their child in an emergency, we don't get taught any of this as new parents.
- Public spaces, especially family-friendly establishments, must have basic safety equipment like choking assists and defibrillators readily available.
These gaps leave children with complex needs—and all children—unnecessarily vulnerable.
Why We’re Fundraising
We are raising funds to:
Equip our team with a choking assist device and defibrillator to enhance our safety protocols. Provide specialized training to ensure our team is prepared for every possible emergency. Launch an advocacy campaign to push for legislation requiring public spaces and care providers to carry life-saving equipment.
The Vision: "The Face of Change"
This campaign is about more than tools—it’s about creating a safer world for children with unique abilities - disabilities. By raising awareness and pushing for legislative changes, we hope to set a new standard where families can feel confident that their children are safe everywhere they go.
What We Believe
- Every child deserves to be safe, cared for, and included in all aspects of life.
- Emergencies can happen anywhere, and preparation should be the rule, not the exception.
- Together, we can change policies and mindsets, ensuring vulnerable children are never left unprotected.
How You Can Help
Your contributions will make a tangible difference:
- Provide our team with the tools and training they need to keep children safe.
- Support our advocacy efforts to require life-saving equipment in public spaces.
- Help us be #TheFaceOfChange for vulnerable children and their families.