By next year, Contact aims to be the first charity families turn to when they find out their child has a disability. The organisation helps families to feel valued, supported, confident and informed.
As a campaigning organisation, the charity influences policy so that politicians and decision-makers tackle the inequalities faced by families with disabled children. It supports those who turn to it for help by giving them the best possible guidance and information.
Contact helps them to campaign, volunteer, fund-raise and shape local services to improve life for themselves and others. It connects them in local groups and online to support each other by sharing experiences and advice.
It looks after its staff, too, and has made wellbeing a priority. A regular wellbeing newsletter is sent out and staff lead activities. There are mental health first aiders across the organisation and regular wellbeing check-ins. Contact also makes sure staff have the opportunity to connect with each other. It runs creative workshops, quizzes, a book club and other social activities.
The London-based charity has more than 40 years' experience in helping children with special educational needs and disabilities. It runs a helpline for parents and carers with a disabled child, aged from birth to 25. The child does not need a diagnosis for a parent or carer to call the helpline.
The organisation's By Your Side advisers guide parents through the maze of medical departments and jargon they face in hospitals and other health settings.
