The importance of independence

Independence looks different to each child and family. We spoke to some families we supported about what independence looks like to them, and how Family Fund helped them on their journey.

‘Choosing your own clothes’

21-year-old Melissa lives in Manchester with her parents, Beth and Lyndsay. Beth told us about her daughter. “Melissa has got a really good sense of humour, and she is a little bit of a princess. She likes having her nails done, being pampered and wearing her eye mask when she is going to sleep.”

Melissa has a very rare genetic condition. “Caring for Melissa involves supervising her, assisting her with personal care such as helping her wash in the bath. And she requires two people to support her when she goes out into the community and when she is travelling in the car.”

Beth applied for a clothing grant from Family Fund, and took Melissa shopping for her clothes. “It was great because it was just before Christmas and it eased some of the financial pressure at that time of year. Melissa went to lots of different high street shops to choose her clothes.”

“It was nice to see her shopping for herself, and paying with her own voucher, independently, choosing clothes she loved. As I said, she is a little bit of a princess, so this was a great day out for her, as well as a chance to shop!”

‘Finding your own space’

We spoke to Michael, father of 19-year-old Adam, who has a rare chromosome deficiency, about how Family Fund helped his son gain independence.

“We recently moved Adam into a summerhouse in the garden for more independence. This is his safe space and when he’s angry, he can take his anger out on his punchbag. Family Fund helped us with sensory items for his summerhouse. He has a sensory mat, light tube and fidget toys. This really helps him and calms him down.”

“Being a single father with a mortgage and many mouths to feed, I can struggle to afford things we might need. Family Fund provided such relief to me, and has been a godsend for my family.”

‘Having time to yourself’

13-year-old Alex lives in Nottingham. We spoke to his mum, Emily, who told us more about him. “Alex is very physically active, from BMX riding to digging in the allotment or exploring the great outdoors. Alex has Down’s syndrome and Tourette’s, alongside learning and mobility difficulties, including low muscle tone. Day-to-day, Alex requires help with things like wearing appropriate clothing, help with health and hygiene, and understanding danger.”

Emily explained how Family Fund’s grants had helped Alex. “Family Fund gave us a grant for a climbing frame and slide in the garden. It helped Alex build his muscle tone, and he still uses it now. He stands on the top to look around and fire his arrows, or lays blankets over it in the summer.”

“Alex would get so poorly when he was little that walking across the road to the park could be too much for him. But he could always step out into the back garden. It gives both of us some independence. He can have time to himself outside, and I can have time to myself, inside.”