Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) provide specialist support to over 4000 babies, children and adults with spina bifida/hydrocephalus, as well as their carers/families. We are the only charity to offer specialist support to people who have been affected by spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus in Scotland.

Our range of services are solely delivered by our specialist staff and are not provided by the NHS or any other organisation. We are almost entirely self-funded and rely on grant making trusts, corporate donations and community fundraising to raise over £1million each year to help families in need.

Like many charities, we rely almost entirely on personal donations to keep our services running. The cancellation of major fundraising events including the London Marathon and Kiltwalk, as well as our own decision to cancel upcoming fundraising events, has had a significant impact on our income. We normally have to generate circa £70,000 monthly to provide our range of services and are now forecasting that in 20/21 we will have lost £500,000 in income.

We know that the Covid-19 spread is affecting everyone, including those who rely on services provided by charities and volunteers. At times like these, the most vulnerable in society become even more vulnerable and, without the generosity of others, they will suffer even more. The families and individuals we work with already deal with numerous daily challenges because of their disabilities, and now they are terrified at what the next few months will bring for their health, wellbeing and financial situation.

Following Scottish Government Lock Down protocol we have stopped all face to face, hospital visits, clinics, nursery, school and group work, and all staff are working remotely. Our respite cottage has been closed. The charitable sector is used to navigating in the face of adversity. However, to continue providing services to those who rely on us most, Spina Bifida Hydrocephlaus Scotland have quickly adapted so we are able to continue to provide essential services to those that need us.