I am fundraising to support Potential Plus UK (now part of Coram) so that they can continue to support children and young people aged 18 and under, who have high learning potential or who have some form of dual or multiple exceptionality ("DME", gifted with additional needs or neurodivergence) and their families.

DME young people can face a number of challenges, not least that:

* Their special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported, whilst their abilities are not seen or considered;

* Their high ability masks their special educational needs and they are seen as lazy or lacking in motivation when they do not perform to the expected level;

* Their abilities and needs ‘cancel each other out’ and they are seen as an average pupil with neither SEND nor HLP.

This lack of identification or misdiagnosis of a pupil can lead to social, emotional and behavioural problems including poor self-esteem, anxiety and depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, emotional outbursts and behavioural challenges which can increase in severity over time.

Coram is the UK's first children's charity and they have worked tirelessly to improve children's chances in life since 1739. Today, they champion children's rights and wellbeing; improve lives through legal support, expert advocacy and adoption services; and run a range of therapeutic, educational and cultural programmes.

Thank you for choosing to support Potential Plus!