The Beginning of TLC Foundation

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The TLC Foundation was created after a group of professionals and parents recognised the challenges faced by families raising children with complex needs.

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The idea for the charity grew from the journey of a young girl known as K. K lives with Down syndrome and autism alongside severe and complex learning difficulties. As those around her watched her grow from childhood into her teenage years, they began to see the wider challenges faced not only by K but also by many of her friends at special needs schools and their families.

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Through regular contact with these families it became clear that many were experiencing similar difficulties. Caring for a child with complex needs often places significant emotional, financial and practical pressures on family life. Parents spoke about exhaustion, lack of sleep, isolation and anxiety about the future. Many also described the effect on employment, with some parents reducing their hours or leaving work altogether in order to meet their child’s care needs.

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Families also shared concerns about siblings. Brothers and sisters of children with complex needs often grow up in environments where medical emergencies, hospital visits and stressful situations are part of everyday life. Some siblings go to school the day after ambulances have been called to their home or after witnessing frightening incidents involving their brother or sister.

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Recognising the need for support, a small pilot parent group was created so families could meet, talk and share their experiences. Listening to these parents highlighted how little support existed locally for families in these circumstances. From these early conversations and meetings, the TLC Foundation charity was formed.

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Our Mission

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The mission of the TLC Foundation is to support families raising children and young people with disabilities, life limiting illnesses and severe or complex learning difficulties.

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We understand the commitment required to care for a child with special needs and the impact this responsibility can have on the whole family. Many parents experience emotional strain, financial pressure and social isolation. Accessing everyday activities can also be difficult due to accessibility barriers or environments that are not suitable for children with complex needs.

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TLC works to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing by creating safe and inclusive opportunities where families can spend time together and feel part of a supportive community.

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Our work focuses on supporting the whole family. This includes the child with complex needs, their siblings and their parents or carers.

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Our Aims

 

Our aim is to help families live enjoyable and manageable lives while caring for their child with dignity and confidence.

 

To better understand what families needed, we asked parents five simple questions:

 

• What would help make your life easier and more supported
• What would help your child with special needs live a happy life
• What support would help your other children and siblings
• What would strengthen your family as a whole
• What support would help you personally as a parent or carer

 

The answers showed that families needed support in several areas of their lives, not just practical care for their child.

 

In response, TLC provides a range of inclusive activities and opportunities for families. These include family day trips, community events, seasonal celebrations, sensory play sessions, creative activities and parent support groups.

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Through these activities families are able to meet others who understand their experiences, build friendships and create positive memories together.

 

Our Vision

 

Our vision is a community where families raising children with complex needs feel supported, included and valued.

 

We want every family to have access to opportunities that allow them to spend time together, build relationships and feel connected to others who understand their experiences.

 

We often describe the family structure using the idea of a three legged stool. Each leg supports the others and if one becomes weakened the whole structure becomes unstable. In the same way, families thrive when support is available for parents, siblings and the child with complex needs.

 

TLC works to strengthen each part of this family structure by creating supportive environments, accessible activities and opportunities for families to connect.

 

The Future of TLC Foundation

 

As the charity continues to grow, so does the demand for our support. More families are reaching out to TLC for opportunities to connect with others and take part in activities that are accessible and welcoming for children with complex needs.

 

Our future plans focus on expanding the support we can offer families. This includes increasing the number of day trips, events and activity sessions we deliver each year so more families can take part.

 

We are also working towards developing a permanent base for the charity where regular sessions, events and family support activities can take place in a dedicated and accessible environment.

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Through continued funding, community support and partnerships with local organisations, TLC aims to reach more families and provide greater opportunities for children and young people with complex needs.

 

Our long term goal is simple. We want every family who cares for a child with complex needs to feel supported, included and part of a community that understands them.