Family Fund helped me become independent
Yaa is six years old and lives with her siblings and her mum Vera. “Yaa has autism, sensory issues and epilepsy. She was first diagnosed when she was three years old.
“I noticed Yaa had some odd behaviours like licking any surfaces. She likes textures, which leads her to put none edible things in her mouth, which can be dangerous.
“Yaa is also non-verbal, so it can be difficult to comprehend her needs as she does not communicate.
“Despite everything, Yaa is a very energetic child. She is full of smiles and very loving. Like any other child, she likes to play and have fun.”
Family life
“I cannot work because I am a full-time career for Yaa. Her needs have severely impacted my financial status. Her condition has changed my life because I constantly have to ensure her needs are met, and I can’t do things spontaneously.
“Her brother Kawku is an amazing support because he understands Yaa and always looks out for her. If she is about to do something dangerous, he will warn me. They enjoy spending time together on the trampoline playing, and he likes to teach her things. Our family is like a team.
“I think it’s really important to ask for help so that your child gets the support they need. It can be difficult in the African community as we often don’t like asking for help. Still, I would like to encourage my community to seek help and support because your child could be negatively impacted if you don’t.”
How Family Fund helped
“My first grant through Family Fund was a washing machine. It still helps me every day.
“At the time I applied I was homeless and had little support around. I had to wash the clothes with my hands.”
“Family Fund helped me become independent. The grant truly came at the right time to make life easier.”
“The second award I received was a tumble dryer and bedding. Both of these awards helped, especially because we all shared a bed, it helped us to get a good night’s sleep.
“Without Family Fund, I don’t know how I would have managed, especially financially.”