Today is a sad day for TIC. We have faced many challenges over the years but with each challenge we have come back stronger. The Covid pandemic hit us during our second year, resulting in us having to adapt and change when we were only just finding our feet. Instead of breaking us like so many other charities, we flourished and discovered early on what our members needed moving forward.

Every year the numbers of referrals increase, along with our workload, and the more we see Tourettes highlighted in the media, the more people we have reaching out.

Unfortunately though the need for safe places like ours, that promote awareness, inclusion and acceptance, work with schools, support mental health in children and adults and encourage friendships, is not always recognised by funders.

Monday brought with it the news that our funding had been rejected for a second time, leaving us in a situation where we inevitably face crisis. Putting in bids takes time, waiting for decisions takes even longer, although we will never give up trying, it is likely that our money will run out before any more is secured. While we are far from ready to surrender, this setback means significant changes are on the horizon. Starting in April, our finances will be drastically reduced, which leaves us at significant risk of losing our space. The loss of this space presents with numerous challenges, which will undoubtedly affect our youth groups. Our youth groups alone cost the charity £500 each week to run, but rest assured, we will do everything in our power to find a new space to continue delivering groups. Should this occur, our commitment to the families we support remains unwavering.

Every pound you can donate will help, please share our JustGiving link and encourage everyone you know to do the same. The more people who donate to the JustGiving page, the better chance we have of raising funds to navigate the upcoming months.