Support for over 18s through Your Opportunity grants

Amy is 24 and lives with her mum and dad in Wales. Her mum Kerrie-Ann explains, “Amy has a condition called Coffin-Lowry syndrome, which is a rare genetic disorder that impacts her body, causing her to have a double curvature of the spine and learning disabilities. She also has speech and language delay and drop attacks causing her to fall to the ground.”

Amy has mobility issues and relies on a wheelchair to get around. “She is also hypersensitive to sound. Walking in crowded places can be overwhelming and overstimulating for her. Amy’s eardrums are also affected, making her lose her balance quite easily. Her vocabulary consists of around 25 single words and ten double words she uses to communicate.”

Kerrie-Ann says, “She is the most pleasant happy young lady. She loves company, she enjoys her favourite people around her, and that’s when she is happiest. We enjoy sitting in the garden together and spending time outside.”

Support through Your Opportunity grants

Amy’s family received support through Your Opportunity grants, which supports disabled young people aged 18 to 24.

“Because the past two years have revolved around the pandemic, the grant helped us get back to normality. We received day trips, which allowed us to visit Amy’s favourite place of all time, Lapland UK. It’s a highlight for us every year. We spent that quality time together, forming unforgettable memories, it was fantastic.”

In previous years, Amy’s family received other grants including a tumble dryer. “The tumble dryer we received through Family Fund was a godsend. It made such a difference because Amy is doubly incontinent. There is a lot of washing and drying involved every day.”