Caring for a child with a disability can be physically and emotionally exhausting. It’s no surprise that a recent survey found that 8 out of 10 family carers are at, or close to reaching breaking point. There are an estimated 6,300 children living with a disability in Surrey. Without the support of a short break, these families are at greater risk of reaching crisis point.
Cherry Trees provides this support through its home from home care for children with complex disabilities and a meaningful break for their families. Last year, Cherry Trees supported 75 families with 1,512 sleepovers and 603 tea or day visits. We also ran five parent and staff wellbeing days, and provided small but vital financial grants through our Bursary and Welfare Funds.
Providing this lifeline costs £1.3m a year. This is part funded by the local authority but costs, on average, an additional £4.25 per hour of care.
Every hour of care supports the children as they build relationships, try new activities, develop skills and independence, and build confidence. But every hour of care also provides the family with an often much needed break. They can recharge, spend quality time with partners and siblings, meet friends, go to work, clean the house or simply relax.
Your donations support the children and families that rely on Cherry Trees.
We couldn’t provide this support without people like you, thank you.
