Did you know over 70% of young disabled people experience chronic loneliness, with significant impacts on mental health and confidence. (Sense)
Disabled children are disproportionately excluded from play, leisure and physical activity, contributing to isolation, poorer mental health and reduced life outcomes.
This May, our Give Me a Break campaign continues to shine a light on the limited opportunities and urgent challenges faced by disabled children, their siblings, and parent carers. While many families across the UK enjoy half-term holidays, trips away, or access to day camps, these experiences remain out of reach for far too many disabled children and their families.
“Being a Parent Carer is a full-time job. I couldn’t hold a job because of my children. It’s hard, it is just hard and it is never ending.
Challengers is one of the few places I can release both of the boys and I haven’t got to panic because they’re safe and there’s people here to support us.“
Zoe, Bradley and Axel’s Mum
At Challengers, disabled young people can come to our services and experience the same fun and friendship as their non-disabled peers, with activities adapted to suit their unique individual needs.
And for every four people who pledge a monthly donation equivalent of a £5 cup of coffee, an hour of care is funded, ensuring every child feels safe, supported, and free to play.
Why Your Support Matters
Bradley is 15 and Axel is 3 years old. Both are autistic, while Bradley also experiences ADHD and pica – differences that can be significantly impacted by social barriers, limited understanding and environments that are not designed to meet their needs.
In this video, their mum Zoe shares how vital Challengers has been — not only for Bradley and Axel, but for the entire family. Watch the video below to hear more about their story.
“As a family Challengers just completely gets us. They understand the boys’ needs, they understand how complicated they are. ”
Zoe, Bradley and Axel’s mum
By supporting Challengers, you will be supporting children and families just like Bradley and Axel’s. For our disabled children and young people, it could provide them with an activity they love; for their families, a moment to breathe.
What Your Donation Could Do
- £5 a month could help buy ingredients for cookery lessons for our young people
- £10 a month could help to purchase toys and equipment to support sensory development
- £20 a month could help provide fun days out for young people where they can learn vital life skills
When donating please consider opting in for Gift Aid – Gift Aid allows charities to receive an additional 25% on top of tax payer donations – AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.
How you can get involved
- Regular giving – donating just £5 a month could help buy ingredients for cookery lessons for our young people
- Volunteering – from helping out at our fundraising events, or in the office behind the scenes, there are a range of different volunteering options available
- Corporate partnerships – could mean choosing Challengers as your Charity of the Year, sponsoring one of our many fundraising events or offering pro bono skills-based support