About Us

Newlife was founded 30 years ago to ensure that disabled and terminally ill children get the best possible start in life and have the opportunity to fulfil theory potential. 

Why Newlife Exists

Alongside dealing with their disability, the sad fact is that thousands of children don’t have the specialist equipment they really need to help them. As a result, children are missing out on life’s opportunities.

There are now 1.7 million disabled and terminally ill children in the UK. Thousands of them rely on Newlife to get the equipment they need, equipment that has often been refused by the statutory services or delays in provision mean that the child is at risk.

Newlife offers a lifeline for families, providing life-changing and life-saving equipment when and where its needed. Alongside equipment, we campaign to improve the outlook for disabled children and change lives. We support parents, work with health professionals and strive for a future where all disabled children get the equipment they need and deserve.

 

Our Vision

That every disabled or terminally ill child and their family, get: The equipment they depend on; the quality of life they deserve; the caring support they need and the chance to fulfil their potential.

 

Our Mission

Together we will make life better for disabled or terminally ill children and their families.

 

Our Values

Always compassionate and deserving of trust – in all we do.
Making things happen – for those we service.
Leading in our field – to make things better.
People at heart – every day.

 

Did you know?…

Around half of all families asked say they don’t have all the equipment they need for their disabled child

85% of families say they’ve had to reduce working hours or give up employment completely to care for their disabled child

On average, it costs around £975 more a month to raise a disabled child

Highlights Report

Download our latest Highlights Report to find out how we are helping thousands of disabled children and their families.

Newlife History

Birth Defects Foundation Formed

The Birth Defects Foundation was registered as a charity, with a main focus on supporting research related to the understanding, prevention and treatment of birth defects.

1991

1991

1993

Trading Company Set Up

The charity supported the setting up of a separate trading company to recycle and raise funds from the management of corporate products donated to the charity.

1993

Superstore Opening 

The charity’s Newlife Superstore opened in Cannock, selling donated goods from high street retailers to raise funds.

1996

1996

2000

Nurse Helpline

By the turn of the new millennium, the support groups offered by BDF had evolved to include a free Nurse Helpline.

2000

Equipment Grant Service

The equipment grant service was launched, helping its 100th child within months.

2005

2005

2008

Name Change

We changed our name to Newlife the Foundation for Disabled Children to reflect the expansion of our services.

2008

Opportunity Centre

Our Volunteer Opportunity Centre opened in Cannock, providing a dedicated space for individuals and groups to volunteer their time to support Newlife.

2008

2008

2011

Emergency Loans

The ‘Just Can’t Wait’ emergency loan service was launched, to deliver essential equipment to children in crisis within days

2011

Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children

Our trading company and charity placed all their assets into the new registered charity called Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children, combining all of our focus under one umbrella.

2016

2016

2022

10 Retail Stores

The largest store in Newlife’s portfolio opened in High Wycombe, taking the number of stores to ten around England and Wales.

2022

Incredible Achievements

The 20,000th equipment grant was awarded – an incredible achievement.

2023

2023

Latest Newlife Charity News

This Mother’s Day we celebrate the joys of being mum to a disabled child

March 2024

As Mother’s Day approaches, mum’s – and anyone in a mothering role – are being celebrated for the love, support and care they give so unconditionally. (more…) ...

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Helpline that supports with kindness, caring and compassion

February 2024

On February 23 England celebrates Helplines Awareness Day, which was launched last year by Helplines Partnership. Helplines are all about supporting people through their (more…) ...

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Making 2024 count – sign up to change lives today!

January 2024

With the year coming to an end many of us will be focusing on what 2024 has in store for us – but it’s also an opportunity to take stock, make changes and let things go that we (more…) ...

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