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In the UK there are 800,000 disabled children; that鈥檚 one child in twenty.

For nearly 50 years, KIDS has been providing support to disabled children, often with some very complex needs, from birth through to 25. We work across the country offering a huge range of services; from support at home for babies, activity clubs for children, through to groups for young adults preparing for independence.

Our early years鈥� services ensure that pre-school children get the best start in life through support at home and in specialist nurseries. For many, a mainstream nursery is not an option; their disabilities can mean that the level of care they need simply cannot be provided. 聽Our specialist centres provide a safe space where children can learn, have fun, make friends and start to experience independence from home.

Every child has the right to play. 聽A playground is where you make new friends, take risks, swing faster, climb higher, find your limits. 聽For disabled children playgrounds can be inaccessible but KIDS鈥� specialist adventure playgrounds provide a vital play and learning opportunity. Parents can leave their children in the capable hands of our specially-trained play workers, knowing they are safe, cared for and having fun just like all children should.

We also support disabled children to become young adults. We help them to find their voice, learn new skills and develop independence as they start this next chapter in their lives. 聽

Our aim is that the disabled children and families we support will thrive, not just survive.

Like all mums, I know that family life can have its strains. For families with disabled children that strain can become extremely challenging and stretch a family to its limits. That鈥檚 where KIDS step in. They will support the child, but they also support the whole family. Their incredible staff give practical help, emotional support, guidance, advice, and most importantly help the families that they work with to thrive, not just to survive.聽

Whatever their child鈥檚 condition and right up to the age of 25, KIDS will be there to help families feel stronger and get the advice they need to help their children to thrive.聽聽 From hands-on work with babies to specialist playgrounds and support for young disabled people on the cusp of adulthood, KIDS ensure that every child reaches their potential.聽

Here are just some of the families that KIDS works with. As you will see, KIDS brings fun, adventure, learning and independence to thousands of disabled children and young people every year.

Elliott is 3 years old and received home learning support from KIDS between the ages of six months until he was two and half. He has Down鈥檚 syndrome and as a result of an operation to separate his fused fingers, he has less strength in his hands and different shaped fingers. Through weekly home visits from his Home Learning Practitioner he was able to develop his motor skills and get help with sensory issues to support his needs.

Our home learning sessions specialise in breaking down developmental aims into small, achievable steps using play as a tool, as well as empowering parents to continue to build on their child鈥檚 development. 聽

As a result of this early intervention, Elliott was able to receive practical help with things like sitting, rolling and picking up things. Elliott鈥檚 mum, Sharon, says 鈥淭hanks to the support that Elliott received, he was able to move into a nursery which he really enjoys鈥�.

Reegan is seven and has autism, which also causes him to have ADHD and anxiety. He has received support from our Lady Allen Adventure Playground for two years. He initially struggled with communication which has improved as he had got older, however he still struggles with anxiety and sensory issues. Reegan is very adventurous and loves the outdoors which is why the playground is ideal.

KIDS Adventure Playgrounds provide children with a safe and secure space to enjoy free, accessible play as well as making new friends and taking part in activities. For parents it can give them a break to do everyday tasks like food shopping, cleaning up or spending time with a sibling, knowing that their child is safe and having fun.

Carleigh, Reegan鈥檚 mum, says 鈥淜IDS gives our children a chance to feel safe and comfortable. There is no judgement and everyone understands鈥�.

Georgia has been supported by KIDS since she was a toddler. She initially began receiving support through the a Mother & Baby group shortly after being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and over the years has accessed various services such as short breaks, holiday play schemes and youth clubs. She is now a prominent member of our Young People鈥檚 Engagement Group (YPEG).

Our services for young people empower them to find their voice, learn new skills and develop independence as they start this next chapter in their lives.

Georgia says 鈥淏eing part YPEG has helped me with my confidence and make new friends, as well as the opportunity to train local authorities on issues that affect young disabled people. The support I have received over the years has helped me become the person that I am鈥�.

Georgia鈥檚 mum, Donna, says 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know what we would have done without KIDS. They have been there at any point that we have needed them鈥�.