Help children’s respite home support Diverse Abilities families

The Lilypad Appeal has already received significant backing from many supporters, which has contributed towards the redevelopment of the 21-year-old children’s respite home.

Many local businesses, individuals, trusts and community groups have been involved and have already made a huge difference by arranging fundraising events, volunteering their time to decorate or garden, taken part in charity initiatives or simply made a donation to the appeal.

But more funds still need to be raised and Diverse Abilities is appealing to the local Dorset community for its support, so they can make a difference to the lives of children with disabilities in Dorset, and their families, as soon as possible.

Helen Mortimer, fundraising manager at Diverse Abilities, said: “As a local charity we rely on the support of our local community to play a part in the future of the children we care for and their families. Just imagine if your child was born with a disability, for which there is no cure, and that they will need constant care throughout their life. Many families face challenges that most of us could never envisage. These families need a service like our respite home – we help them cope.

“By supporting the appeal, you will be helping Diverse Abilities provide absolutely vital care to children and families. To get involved and help us raise our last £35,000, you can sign up to a challenge event, arrange your own event or make a donation. All support will be very much appreciated.”

Andrea Lennox-Gordon, whose daughter Victoria, receives support from the respite home, said: “When you care for a child who is highly dependent on you 24/7, a break is crucial, whether it is to sleep, relax a little, do some chores or spend time with other family members. So, the time that Victoria spends at the respite home is very precious to us but also to her because she can spend time doing things any other young person would do.”

The upgraded children’s respite home will be double the size and will therefore offer a more spacious, comfortable and homely environment. It will also allow the charity to provide support to many more children with additional hours of care.

The renovations will improve the facilities to meet the increasingly complex needs of children and young people with disabilities. It will also provide specific areas and rooms to ensure the needs of the individual child are met.

Wendy Philo, whose son David also receives support from the respite home, said: “The respite home has been a lifeline for us as a family. It has enabled us to have a break physically, but more importantly an emotional break from the many issues involved with caring for a life-limited child. The best part of David staying at the respite home is that he really enjoys his stays. Quite simply, without Diverse Abilities respite, we would not have coped and David would have had a less enjoyable childhood. His smiles say it all.”

The £35,000 that the charity need to raise will be funding play equipment, creating an entrance to the day and night wings of the building, ensuring there is an accessible drop off area for parents, remodelling a new bathroom in the day wing, purchasing hoists, creating a ramp for a play cabin and landscaping the outdoor space, so the children can play in a garden.

Play your part in making a difference to children with disabilities and their families today. Visit www.lilypadappeal.org.uk or call 01202 718266 to find out more and pledge your support.