Unable to see all our friends and family and not getting out to enjoy the festivities in the usual way, we're all facing a different kind of holiday season this year.

But for family carers and parents of children with a learning disability and/or autism, it will be particularly challenging. Many of the families we work with don't have the support of extended family nearby, are isolating due to health problems, and are struggling to navigate an already complex welfare system, which is has been further complicated by the introduction of the Coronavirus Act 2020. Sadly, the children and their families won't be able to have fun at our annual Christmas Party, meet Santa or get their gift from him in our Grotto at Centre 404 this year.

So this year we're arranging Christmas present deliveries. Although we can't host our Christmas Party, we are able to bring some festive cheer to the children and families that we have worked with this year. Thanks to the generosity of local companies, we'll be sending over 50 toys and gifts to families across North London.

This month, we'll also use Social Media to share families' stories - their experiences of 2020 and their hopes for 2021.

People already in difficult circumstances are the hardest hit by Covid-19. During 2020 we've made huge changes to the way we work. In 2021 we know that we'll need to adapt more and provide more support.

We aim to set up a Helpline to support families who are isolated and/or struggling to navigate the health, social care and welfare systems. We also need to maintain our existing work - providing information, advocacy and support for families around life's transitions, for early years, childhood, adulthood, living as an adult and later life.

You can help by:

- Donating to help us support more families in 2021

- Joining Centre 404's mailing list to receive our newsletters and hear more about the work we do and get involved