Summertime for families raising disabled or seriously ill children

Summertime can be challenging for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child. Crowded places, sensory overload, changes to routine and judgment from others are just some of the issues families tell us make it difficult.

Our latest research:

68% of families we support say they haven’t been able to take part in as many outdoor, and adventurous, activities as they’d like to. And 71% of families tell us it’s difficult to find days out suitable their children.

As many as 94% of families said they’ve experienced a negative reaction to their disabled or seriously ill children when on a family break, or day out. 87% of families report other people’s behaviour or attitudes affects what they do as a family when out and about.

This month we’re sharing summertime experiences, stories and tips from families we support, and new findings from our latest Family Poll. We want to raise better awareness of what life’s really like for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child.

Families we support face an average extra cost of £17.85 for a day out. So we’ll be sharing ideas for fun, accessible outings, on a budget.

We’ll also look at simple things individuals can do, and think about, to reduce stigma and ease pressures for families with children with additional needs, on days out and holidays.

Family stories:

Mum Rebecca tells us:

“Summer is my favourite time of the year. When I had children, I was so looking forward to the long school holiday and time at the beach. But summer isn’t quite as I expected.”

Mum Katie tells us:

“Summer months are often viewed as a ‘break from preschool/school’ or a fab opportunity for family time. For Edward, it takes most of the summer to adjust to the massive change in the weekday routine. Subtle changes like sun cream or a sun hat can take several weeks to adjust to, and for Edward to accept. The initial few weeks are filled with meltdowns, wobbles and anxiety.”