Making your voice – and your lived experience – count!
It’s easy to forget that ordinary people have power, but when we all use our voices it can help bring about change, big and small. Here Ceara Chamberlin, Newlife’s Campaign and Public Affairs Manager, explains how we can all play a part. At Newlife, we’re regularly in...
Lancashire girl devastated by meningitis needs specialist buggy
A disabled children’s charity has launched an appeal to fund a specialist buggy for an eight-year-old Lancashire girl who contracted meningitis as a baby, leaving her unable to walk or talk and having up to 30 seizures a day. Eliza Young was just ten months old when...
Are you joining in the fun this Sparkle Day?
March 7 is Sparkle Day, which means a day of different activities and fun – all to raise much need funds so Newlife can help disabled and terminally ill children across the UK. Sparkle Day can be anything you want it to be, from dressing up in sparkly clothes, to...
Run for Newlife at Drayton Manor in the 5k or 10k race
Newlife is urging people to sign up to raise funds with a very special event – the first ever Drayton Manor Resort 5k and 10k run. While Drayton Manor in Tamworth is known to many for its thrilling rides and twisting rollercoasters it will transform into a racetrack...
Ceara campaigns in Westminster for Newlife families
Catch up with Ceara Chamberlin, Newlife’s Campaigning and Public Affairs Manager, after her recent visit to Westminster on behalf of all the children and their families the charity supports. With the start of a new year and a relatively new government, the campaigns...
Beat those January blues and find the feel-good factor for 2025
January often seems like the longest month of the year. Not only is the fun and sparkle of Christmas relegated to the loft, but the days are dark, cold and wet, and everyone seems to be watching their weight and their budgets, so it’s no surprise that the third Monday...
Newlife’s Pop-up at McArthurGlen West Midlands is back
Newlife has popped up again at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands, based in Cannock, Staffordshire, following a successful pop-up shop last year, which will help raise funds so disabled children can receive the vital equipment and support they need. The...
Making Christmas accessible for everyone
This Christmas Rosie Buckley gives us her thoughts on making your Christmas festivities fun for everyone, regardless of age or ability, as gatherings should make everyone feel included. Christmas is an exciting time of year for many people! However, for those with...
A call for help – Newlife’s Christmas campaign
All of Newlife’s families know how important our Nurse helpline is, and this year the amazing services is at the centre of our Christmas campaign. The Newlife Nurse Helpline is a lifeline for families, not just in the run up to the festive season, but all year round,...
Newlife festive season survival guide for parents
Christmas is nearly upon us, which for most parents is a stressful time of year as they try to deal with the expectations of over-excited children and try to Do All of The Things that make the festive season magical for children. It may also be that you have a child,...
Grab your Black Friday bargains at Newlife!
While many know Newlife for its amazing charity work which provides disabled and terminally ill children and their families with the equipment and support and they need – Newlife also has nine stores and a pop-up shop, all stocked with brand new items from High Street...
Disability History Month – when equipment makes all the difference
Disability History Month explores a different aspect of disability each year, and for 2024 it runs from November 14 to December 20, with the theme of Disability, Livelihood and Employment. Here Child and Family Service Development Manager, Becky Smith, reflects on the...
Find the best way for your family to celebrate Bonfire Night!
Bonfire Night is a part of the British calendar that has evolved far beyond its original purpose and now signals the beginning of winter, and many of us love nothing more than huddling around a bonfire and gazing at the impressive firework displays turning the night...
Get ready for some spooky Halloween fun!
As the autumn weather begins to bite, we know that Halloween is just around the corner, offering lots of spooky fun to be had. To help your Halloween be a real scream we’ve rounded up some ideas for you to try, whether you want to embrace it by attending some...
Make autumn walks a must-do on your list of activities!
Summer already seems like a distant memory, and as the weather turns cooler and the days get shorter it can make it harder to keep children of all ages occupied and entertained. So getting outdoors as often as possible can make everyone feel a little less trapped and...
Finding the right help for your teen to make the most of university
As the Autumn academic term starts lots of teens will be back in the swing of college or sixth form and trying to decide their next steps to achieve the future they want. Some may be considering university but fear it may be too difficult with their disability....
Disability Awareness Day – what having the right equipment means!
Having the right equipment at the right time can make a world of difference to the life of a disabled child. To mark Disability Awareness Day 2024 on Sunday, July 14, we hand over to 16-year-old Rhys from London to talk about the impact equipment has made, not only on...
Making summer fun weatherproof for your kids of all abilities
It might be summer, but as usual, the British weather is, well, unpredictable. And the school holidays are just weeks away, which means endless weeks of trying to entertain bored children, unmoored by the sudden lack of their regular routine, and in need of...
Enjoy summer fun at the beach for all the family
Day trips to the beach can create memories for families to treasure, with everyone relaxed and happy and nothing to do but enjoy yourself – but not all beaches have equal facilities which can make such days difficult, if not impossible, if you have a disabled child....
Your chance to make your voice heard about disabled children
Newlife’s Public Affairs and Campaign Manager, Matthew Jackson, has been extremely busy with our Fight For Our Future Campaign recently. And now with the General Election fast approaching it’s more important than ever that we get a government that will place disabled...
Give the gift of your time and become part of something special at Newlife
As well as celebrating National Volunteers Week, Katie Fletcher, Newlife’s Volunteer Recruitment and Support Officer, talks about her role – and why Newlife is such a great place to volunteer! Katie is always on hand to support our existing volunteers and help new...
Make the most of any sunny summer days with activities for all the family
With the start of summer comes the hope of sunny days and time spent outdoors, which means lots of new ways to keep children occupied – so long as the rain stays away! Just getting out of the house to enjoy some fresh air can make everyone feel better, even if...
Celebrating children by helping them live their best life every day
With a variety of days celebrating children across the UK and the world this month, it’s a good time to stop and remember that everything we do, both as parents and as a charity, is with the aim of helping them to live their best lives. For children with disabilities...
Newlife Nurses – here to help support your mental health too
Mental Health Awareness Week runs from May 13-19, and is aimed at helping to start conversations about people’s mental health, as well urging people to access the information, care and support they need. At Newlife this is something the charity has been passionate...
Shining a light on children without a diagnosis
Undiagnosed Children’s Day is April 26, so we’re shining a light on what it means and how you can find support if your child doesn’t yet have a diagnosis. When a child has a diagnosis there can be a general sense of what you can expect to happen, but there are around...
Racing to help disabled children receive equipment
The Cannock Chase Running Festival proved to be a great day out for all ages as the community came together to run – or walk – either 5k, 10k or a half marathon. Among the participants were some 46 runners taking part to raise funds for Newlife, all raising funds so...
Make a free Will with Newlife and ensure your legacy
With Spring arriving many of us are giving our homes an update and taking care of those jobs we put off through the cold and dark winter months. It’s also a great time to look at all those life admin issues that you keep meaning to get around to. One really important...
Will is all set to run London Landmarks Half Marathon in April
Will Rygalski is the Newlife High Wycombe Store Manager – and a keen runner – so it was only natural that he would put his best foot forward and sign up for the London Landmarks Half Marathon taking place on April 7, which will start at Pall Mall London, and finish...
This Mother’s Day we celebrate the joys of being mum to a disabled child
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. But being the mother of a disabled child can also bring with it so many more complexities, fears, unknowns and, of...
Helpline that supports with kindness, caring and compassion
On February 23 England celebrates Helplines Awareness Day, which was launched last year by Helplines Partnership. Helplines are all about supporting people through their most difficult times and at Newlife our nurse-led helpline does that and more, having a huge...
Making 2024 count – sign up to change lives today!
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 no longer need, or do all those things that have been put off. It’s also a good time to...
Can you give disabled children the gift of play this Christmas?
For many the idea of Christmas and toys go hand in hand, but for children with disabilities and terminal illness, play isn’t straight forward. High Street toys are often too difficult to for them to use,or they just don’t engage them enough to encourage them to want...
Appeal for ‘life changing’ seat to help Derbyshire boy breathe
A Derbyshire eight-year-old with a rare brain condition that means he can’t walk, talk, sit up or even hold up his own head, urgently needs a specialist seat to keep him angled in just the right position to keep breathing. Patrick Langford, from Ilkeston, has a...
World Kindness Day reminds us that small acts can have a big impact
In a perfect world being kind seems like the sort of thing you wouldn’t have to remind people to be. But unfortunately in busy day to day life, when we have other things on our mind, making that extra effort is something that often seems to slips away. Which is why on...
Making magical Christmas memories the whole family can enjoy
Everyone wants the children in their lives to enjoy the magic of Christmas, but disabilities and special educational or sensory needs can make attending some events tricky, especially when there are queues and busy crowds to navigate and lots of noise or flashing...
Help for children with invisible disabilities
Invisible disabilities can be hard enough for adults to navigate and raise a whole host of issues, but for children they can prove particularly isolating. This year Invisible Disabilities Week falls between October 15 – 21, shining a light on how a child and their...
Make your legacy count and change a child’s life today
October is Free Will Writing Month and while making a Will isn’t something most of us want to think about, it is a good reminder to take care of one of those ‘life admin’ processes that we all need to do. Not only will this provide peace of mind and ensure that your...
Brand new school uniforms offered to schools and organisations for families
Newlife is offering items of brand-new uniform to schools, organisations, and other charities to help families most in need. The charity currently has 12,000 items of uniform to give away, including black and grey trousers and skirts, jumpers in a mixture of colours,...
Fun sensory activities for all the family this Autumn
Memories of summer are already fading, and days are shorter, darker and colder – which of course makes it harder to keep children of all ages and abilities occupied and entertained. But there’s lots you can do either outdoors or inside on rainy days that can...
Focus on fun – bringing silliness back into your family play
You may not know, but International Talk Like a Pirate Day is celebrated on September 19. Now what exactly has this got to do with Newlife and disabled children and their families? Well, the day was started by a group of men in America as a bit of fun, because well,...
How to work best with your child’s SENCO so they can thrive
It’s always a bit of a shock to the system when the Autumn school term arrives and you have to get your child – and yourself – into the swing of school life again, getting to know new teachers, new friends and having new goals and expectations. But if your child...
On National Play Day – is your child struggling to join in the fun?
The first Wednesday of August is National Play Day in the UK – with this year’s theme being everyday low-cost or no-cost play adventures that children can enjoy at home, in settings, and in our communities. But as parents of disabled children know, even play can...
Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children appoints new CEO
Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children is pleased to announce the appointment of new Chief Executive, Fiona Robinson. Fiona will be leading the charity and it’s ten storesacross the UK into a new chapter, working alongside its board of trustees who are dedicated to...
Destination fun! Tips for stress free travel this summer and beyond
Getting away from it all sounds blissful, but getting there can be another story, especially when you are travelling with a child with disabilities – but there are things you can do to make getting to your destination hassle free, whether you are going on holiday in...
Find wheelchair accessible beaches this summer
A visit to the beach is always a great way to enjoy a sunny day, whether you want to soak up the sun and have a paddle or just enjoy the sea air, but for some families who have children with disabilities, the beach is firmly off limits without having the right...
Free activities to entertain the kids when the sun is shining!
It seems a shame to be cooped up when the weather is nice – but keeping children entertained outdoors on sunny days can be costly, so below we’ve listed a few free activities that can be adapted to suit your child’s age and needs. Treasure Hunt Exploring outside when...
A magical day out for all at the Harry Potter Studio
Days out with your children can be lots of fun, but it can be difficult to know if your chosen destination is really suitable for your child, especially if they have additional needs, whether that means you need accessible spaces or spaces your child can retreat to...
A big ‘thank you’ to volunteers who change children’s lives
As we celebrate the difference volunteers can make in communities across the UK, Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children is saying a huge ‘thank you’ to all the volunteers who give their time, to help Newlife provide specialist equipment and support to thousands of...
Can you help Carla and her mum make memories?
A 13-year-girl from Doncaster who has bones so fragile they can easily break, just from being lifted, urgently needs a specialist mobile hoist to allow her and her mum to leave their home together for more than a few hours so they can enjoy experiences together and...
Be part of the King’s Big Help Out by volunteering with Newlife
On the Bank Holiday to celebrate the King’s coronation, Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children will be opening their doors to show members of the public how they can help disabled and terminally ill children by volunteering in a variety of ways. Newlife’s open day...
AUTISM ACCEPTANCE AT NEWLIFE
April is Autism Acceptance Month, which began with World Autism Awareness Day on Sunday, April 1 – dedicated to raising awareness of the signs, symptoms and realities of autism, but also to promote acceptance. At Newlife, greater acceptance of all children with...
CAN YOU HELP ELIJAH TRAVEL SAFELY TO HOSPITAL?
Newlife has launched an appeal to fund a specialist car seat for two-year-old Elijah after Covid left him with brain damage and needing 24-hour oxygen. Elijah from Horsforth in Leeds tested positive for Covid in November 2021, but after having a temperature of 40.7...
M6toll SUPPORT LOCAL CHILDREN’S CHARITY WITH GIFT OF PLAY THIS CHRISTMAS
Midland Expressway Ltd (operators of the M6toll) are proud to announce their support of Newlife, the Charity for Disabled Children with their Christmas Campaign which aims to provide the gift of play to disabled children across the region. Newlife the Charity for...
DISABLED CHILDREN TO RECEIVE SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT THANKS TO STAFFORDSHIRE FREEMASONS
Twenty children and young people with disabilities and their families will be able to access potentially life-changing specialist equipment thanks to a £30,000 grant from Staffordshire Freemasons to Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children. Newlife is the largest...
SPECIALIST SEAT HELPS THREE-YEAR-OLD RECOVER AFTER TRANSPLANT
A three-year-old from Barnet who underwent a kidney transplant has been able to recover in comfort, thanks to a children’s disability charity which provided a specialist seat to keep her fully supported. Leia Morsbach was born with a rare form of mitochondrial...
SIBLINGS WITH LIFE-LIMITING CONDITION CAN TRAVEL SAFELY, THANKS TO SPECIALIST CAR SEATS
An East Riding of Yorkshire couple whose two children are not expected to live past the age of ten have received specialist car seats from a children’s disability charity so they can travel safely, which is allowing them to make the most of the time they have...
CHARITY COST OF LIVING BOOST FOR FAMILIES WITH DISABLED CHILDREN
National disability charities Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children and Sense have joined forces to provide grants totalling £23,000 to families with disabled children facing profound hardship due to the current cost of living crisis. Newlife, the largest UK...
DISABILITY HISTORY MONTH 2022
Disability History month takes place from November 16 to December 16, shining a light on the struggles faced by people of all ages with disabilities historically, but also the barriers still facing people with disability today. As a result of medical advances over the...
GIVE DISABLED CHILDREN THE GIFT OF PLAY THIS CHRISTMAS
A national disabled children’s charity has launched a Christmas appeal to help fund more pods of specialist toys, so children with disabilities and terminal illness who have difficulty using standard high street toys can experience the joy of play for themselves....
TEEN’S SKYDIVE TO HELP DISABLED CHILDREN
A kind-hearted Cannock schoolgirl is set to take part in an adrenaline fuelled tandem skydive to raise much needed funds to help disabled children across the UK. Sixteen-year-old Cannock Chase High School student, Jessica Hurd, will be taking off from Tilstock airport...
‘LIFE CHANGING’ SPECIALIST BUGGY FOR GIRL WITH CHILDHOOD DEMENTIA
A Leeds six-year-old diagnosed with a rare form of childhood dementia is able to attend vital brain treatments and make magical memories with her family before she goes blind, thanks to a specialist buggy provided by a national children’s disability charity. Connie...
HIGH FLYING FUNDRAISING
A staff member from a Cannock charity showed real commitment last week when he took to the skies to do an amazing wing walk – all to help disabled and terminally ill children and their families.As a Sales Assistant for Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children at the...
NEWLIFE CEO AND CO-FOUNDER RETIRES AFTER 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO DISABLED CHILDREN
More than thirty years after co-founding Newlife the Charity for Disabled children, Sheila Brown OBE has retired as its CEO, along with her husband Colin, director of the charity’s Commercial business.As a mum to two children with disabilities, Newlife began when...
DISABLED CHILDREN’S CHARITY ISSUES URGENT APPEAL FOR SOUTH EAST
A children’s disability charity is urgently appealing for help to fund vital disability equipment for 41 children across the South East on their waiting list for help totalling almost £52,000. Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children say children are being failed by...
FAMILY MAKE MEMORIES TO TREASURE WITH NEWLIFE PLAY THERAPY PODS
Rugeley brothers who have the same incredibly rare neurological condition which means their life expectancy is just ten-years-old, have been able to play together and make memories for their family to treasure, thanks to the Play Therapy Pod service run by Newlife the...
NEWLIFE COMES TO NEWPORT
A new fashion store is set to open its doors in Newport, giving bargain lovers the chance to grab high street brands at hugely discounted prices, all while helping a charity support disabled children in need. Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children will be opening...