Peter Pan Crisis Appeal

Feeling anxious and isolated is something that has always affected the families of children with special needs. It is now more important than ever that we support our children and families, whilst following every precaution to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved, during this health crisis.

Following the government guidelines, we sadly, had to shut our Centre doors earlier this year and we remained closed until we were advised it was safe to reopen. This meant our children were struggling, missing their sessions at our centre and the chance to play with their peers. Their families were struggling too, having lost their much-needed respite break that our Centre provides. Many were also dealing with some significant behavioural and emotional challenges exhibited by their children as they struggled to cope with the sweeping changes to their world. We continued to support our families by telephone or online, offering packages of activities that could be enjoyed with children at home, as well as providing behavioural and emotional support.

We also continued to work in the background supporting the Education, Health and Care Plan process for our children due to graduate in August, working with schools and local authorities to ensure our children would secure their school of choice and transition smoothly during this uncertain period.

We welcomed children back to our Centre on June 1st much to their and their families delight. We continue to provide remote support to children and their families that can not yet attend.

As you may know, our Charity is entirely reliant on our fantastic family of supporters and fundraising to exist as we receive no specific government support. Whilst we have made as many cuts as possible, to try to ensure we can weather this storm and still be here for children in the future, a significant proportion of our fundraising comes from charity events and individual challenges, which can now no longer take place, therefore our income is already falling dramatically.

If you feel able to support us at this unprecedented time, thank you; rest assured, it will be very gratefully received. We know times are hard right now, but your contribution, no matter how small, will go a long way to help the most vulnerable children in our society at this difficult time.

Thank you

Catherine Cook, Fundraising and Communications Manager. Email. catherinec@thepeterpancentre.co.uk