Children Support
Our support services for Children are available for anyone under 18 living with or affected by Cystic Fibrosis and all of our services are free and confidential. Initially, your contact will be with our professional staff based in our Edinburgh office, but many of our services are also offered by our volunteer outreach team who are trained to provide a professional service and have regular updates to ensure our clients receive the best possible outcome from any support we offer.
Below is a list of the main types of support we offer for children, but we provide a wide-range of support and help so even if you can’t find what you need on this list, please get in touch.
Benefits
We have over 20 years of experience helping parents and carers provide benefits agencies with the unique and relevant information concerning their child to ensure they receive a fair and appropriate award. We provide:
- Help to complete application forms and navigate official systems;
- Practical support through the application process, from beginning to end;
- Advocacy/representation at Disability Tribunals.
Housing
Because it is important for children living with CF to have housing that is appropriate and provides a suitable environment for carers to provide home treatment, we provide:
- Support to make strong housing applications specific to your needs;
- Representation at council and housing agency meetings;
- Advocacy to negotiate property suitable for your requirements.
Befriending
Befriending gives children the opportunity to share interests and social activities with someone who understands the effects of Cystic Fibrosis. Our trained volunteers will offer regular contact, support, and a listening ear, and also help build self-confidence and improved adherence to treatment.
If you think your child might benefit from befriending, please get in touch.
Education and training
To ensure children with Cystic Fibrosis to have maximum access to education, we provide:
- Advocacy for adjustments or support plans to be implemented at nurseries, schools and colleges;
- Help to access to necessary equipment or supplies;
- Representation at meetings with your local school or college.
Financial support
Cystic Fibrosis can be an expensive condition, so we can help access:
- Grants to purchase essential household items;
- Financial help with the cost of respite breaks and holidays;
- Help to fund other expensive items that help improve quality of life.
Transport
Our volunteer drivers provide transport to and from hospital clinic appointments.
Emotional support
Living with Cystic Fibrosis can create difficult and complex emotions and stresses. We provide emotional support and counselling:
- after diagnosis;
- to help process difficult change;
- at other times of stress.
Support for carers
We recognise that Cystic Fibrosis affects the whole family, so we provide support for carers as well as those with the condition. If you are a carer who needs support, please visit our Carer page and please don’t hesitate to contact us.