Our Future Projects
TLC has compassion and understanding of the commitment it takes to care for a child with special needs. We understand the impact this can have on siblings, parents and family life.
Caring for a child with complex needs can affect employment and financial stability. Many parents experience exhaustion, lack of sleep, isolation and uncertainty about the future. Families can also face discrimination and a lack of understanding from wider society.
We recognise that every parent and every child has different needs. Many families caring for children with disabilities, life limiting illnesses and severe or complex learning difficulties receive very little support. Our future projects aim to respond directly to what families have told us they need most.
Every project we run is designed to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and give families the chance to create positive memories together.
With the right funding and community support, we can expand these projects and reach even more families who need support.
If you would like to support one of our projects or learn more about our work, please get in touch.
Upcoming Projects
Parents Support Group
Parents regularly meet through our support group sessions. These meetings provide a safe and welcoming space where parents can talk openly with others who understand their experiences.
The group runs themed sessions which offer advice and guidance on topics that parents have identified as important. Sessions also include wellbeing activities that allow parents to take time for themselves and recharge from the pressures of caring responsibilities.
Activities can include relaxation techniques, gentle exercise, mindfulness and other wellbeing sessions. Regular meetings like this help reduce isolation and support mental wellbeing.
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Holistic Support
Families tell us that very little holistic support exists for young people and adults with severe and complex disabilities, particularly those who also experience mental health challenges.
Many of these young people are excluded from recreational activities, and this exclusion often extends to their siblings and wider family members.
TLC provides opportunities for families to spend time together through inclusive activities and events designed around accessibility and understanding.
These experiences help families build friendships and feel part of a supportive community.
Fully Accessible Learning Resources and Activity Events
TLC provides accessible learning opportunities alongside fun social activities for families.
We organise a range of inclusive events delivered in accessible venues and supported by experienced volunteers.
These include:
• Family day trips
• Seasonal celebrations and parties
• Arts and craft sessions
• Creative workshops
• Sensory play activities
Past trips have included visits to attractions such as Cadbury World as well as fully accessible group outings designed so families can attend without barriers.
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Support for Siblings
Siblings of children with complex needs often receive less attention because the immediate care needs of their brother or sister must come first.
Parents often tell us that siblings can feel overlooked or excluded from activities.
TLC includes siblings in many of our events and activities so they can enjoy fun experiences alongside other young people who understand their situation. This helps them build friendships and feel supported within the wider TLC community.
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A Permanent Community Building
TLC currently operates from a shared rented space. As the charity continues to grow, we need a dedicated building where we can run activities, events and support sessions more regularly.
Our aim is to secure a permanent space that can act as a long term base for the charity and the families we support.
A dedicated building would allow us to:
• Run regular family sessions
• Create a dedicated sensory space for children with complex needs
• Host events, workshops and community activities
• Provide a safe and welcoming meeting place for parents and carers
Having our own space would allow TLC to expand the support we offer, provide more consistent activities and create a stable home for our community.
