The Dorset Children’s Foundation was set up in 2013 to support local sick and disabled children by fundraising for medical expenses, mobility equipment and therapies which are not covered by the NHS, as well as providing these children with life-enriching experiences and days. The charity aims to provide those they support with a better quality of life.

We will be fundraising for their “Portable Disabled Changing and Sensory Equipment Appeal”. The charity holds carnivals and fundraising events which many families attend with their children, but currently the availability of disabled changing facilities and toilets are limited and expensive to hire. This means that on some occasions children must be changed on the floor of standard toilets, something which cannot continue.

The charity is looking to purchase two portable facilities of their own, which can be used at these events which will allow families to see to their children’s needs in an environment which provides privacy and dignity.  The charity is also looking to purchase two sensory tents with sensory equipment, to provide children with a “time-out” area when the hustle and bustle of an event gets too much for those with impairments.

With over 2500 children registered as disabled across the Dorset county, this equipment will be beneficial for improving their experience when visiting these events, ensuring they have adequate conditions to be changed in a dignified manner and a relaxing area for when they need some time out, enabling everyone to have more enjoyable experiences.