Kidz Aware
Sabrina I work for a small charity called Kidz Aware based in Ossett which supports children and young people (CYP) with disabilities, as well as their wider families and support networks.
Our organisation’s ambition is for all young people and families experiencing disability in the Wakefield district to live full, happy, healthy, and independent lives, fulfilling their potential and aspirations, with access to experienced guidance and support.
We have been working with vulnerable families for many years.
We have over 700 families and currently are supporting between 60 – 100 families across the entire Wakefield District, and we try to raise at least 50% of our running costs by fund raising activities, and this is with only two part time employees.
However the increase in demands for our support as been overwhelming and families are needing much more support than before , they are desperate for food clothing and toys , last xmas we gave out 643 Xmas gifts pyjamas and quilts as so many families are really struggling
We do not get government or strategy funding, and it has been a lot harder to raise our own funds , as we are extremely busy helping families with not only information support but now with food clothing bedding costs of living crisis support , so we are really struggling to find time to raise the funds we desperately need
Many of the disabled children we support have major issues with mental health (including suicidal tendencies), and challenging behaviours, battling with benefits and are in debt which are now having a wider impact on the whole of the family because of the imposed isolation
Any sponsorship would be totally appreciated we would ensure that we share through our social media the support you have given us and we truly feel that you would be updated and invited to any of your social event where you can actually meet the families we support and see for yourselves the positive impact you have made
Target Audience
We support families of a disabled child 0-25 however we are also continuing supporting the families way pass 25 as it can be just as difficult to access services when you become a young disabled person
We cover west Yorkshire , most of the children we support are vulnerable isolated many on the spectrum so have difficulties with social communication expressing their feeling this is why we hold several free social event to ensure these children are included and feel they are safe enough to participate fully
Key Dates and Timings
If possible a year would be remarkable as we are constantly trying to raise funds to keep our services open but to also ensure families can access food clothing bedding Pyjamas xmas gifts ect throughout the year
Specific Opportunity Details
We have thousands of followers most of these are families of disabled children who truly need long term support , we are seen as the first pint of contact for hundreds of families.
as i am a parent myself to a disabled person so set up the charity to help other families over the years we have gained the trust of hundreds of families who ask for our support as they are often told their families don’t fit the criteria for other services we have a open door policy and never turn anyone away and offer long term support
Features and Benefits
The main one would be knowing that you have made a real postive impact in the lives of disabled children and their families , opprtunties for publicity and meeting the families , making the lives of these children much more happier
Other Partners
Unfortunately we don’t this the first time we have looked for sponsorship due to the amount of families needing our help
Investment
Anything obviously funding is extremely helpfull but also there is a great demand for clothing bedding gifts food , and your commitment
Other Info
Kidz Aware is a charity/ social enterprise with 3 core values at our heart: Equality; Inspiring; Embracing.
We.
We deliver the following services to families of a disabled child /disabled adults,
Information, Advice and Guidance Mental Health and Wellbeing Awareness
Debt Advice/ Benefit Entitlements Attend PIP/ESA Appeals Signposting and Referrals Family Support – person Centred planning/short and long-term support.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Educational Training workshops plus much more
Through the delivery of our services we ensure we are improving the health not only of the disabled person but the whole family unit , we always use a person-centred approach to empower them but most importantly identify what services they need and nay gaps in accessing them as it is vital they are able to stay wetland improve their physical and mental health and are able to access the right services and support at the right term and this is offered long term
We are working in partnership with the CCG, Live well job centre Wakefield health watch Young lives Happy Families local hubs and many others to ensure there is joint work addressing the needs of families and the needs of the individual, and supports people to navigate the system effectively and be able to access support immediately .
OUR VALUES
In realising our vision, purpose and core values we are guided by the following principles.
We are passionate, innovative and fearless in the promotion and defence of the rights and welfares of individuals irrespective of disability, age, gender, religious beliefs, cultural or sexual orientation.
We support the whole family unit not just the individual.
We are accessible and responsive in our community and nationwide.
We are resourceful and efficient in the management needed to undertake our services.
We collaborate with other services and partnerships to promote change.
We always act with respect, honesty and integrity.