Charity for Kids' survey on Hastings and Rother respite centre

A charity is calling for parents and carers of disabled children to help with some research.
The Charity for Kids team at Bexhill Carnival Fun Week. Picture by Steve HunnisettThe Charity for Kids team at Bexhill Carnival Fun Week. Picture by Steve Hunnisett
The Charity for Kids team at Bexhill Carnival Fun Week. Picture by Steve Hunnisett

Charity for Kids is considering opening a respite centre in the Hastings and Rother area to provide residential and day services and breaks for profoundly disabled children and their families.

It has launched a survey to find out if such a facility is needed and wants parents’ and carers’ views.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Paul Harris set up Charity for Kids in 2011 after he decided to run the Hastings Half Marathon.

He said: “I was at a point in my life where I was drinking and smoking a lot and my diet was unhealthy.

“Eventually, I hit a point where I needed to make a change. My wife and I are lucky to have three healthy girls, so I wanted to raise money for less fortunate families.

“I looked for a cause to raise funds for, which would help disadvantaged children but couldn’t find one. After a conversation with a friend, Charity for Kids was born.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Supporters of the charity have raised money through swimming the Channel, cycle rides across Europe and countless runs.

Funds have been spent on projects to help improve the quality of life for youngsters.

Paul added: “We’ve funded a wide range of projects; from small ones, such as physiotherapy sessions or iPads to help children communicate, to much larger ones, such as providing self-propelling wheelchairs and even construction work to improve accessibility in the home.

“Based on our experience, we think families with a severely disabled child would benefit from a ‘home from home’ residential facility, to give themselves and their children a break.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The questionnaire only takes a few minutes to fill in and it will really help us understand if this is something Charity for Kids can help with.”

A link to the online questionnaire is on the Charity for Kids website at charityforkids.co.uk and Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].

There will be a prize draw when the survey closes and one lucky family will win a weekend break at the Charity for Kids Respite Caravan at Crowhurst Park near Battle.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: