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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 team hit the ground running, heading straight to Westminster armed with our commitment to advocate for disabled children and their families.

In a political climate that is often unpredictable, it can be tough to make your voice heard. But when it comes to advocating and campaigning for the most vulnerable – disabled children – it’s more crucial than ever to cut through the noise and ensure our message is front and centre. We’re not just talking about policy; we’re talking about real lives and the urgent need for change.

Our recent report, Fight for Our Future, showcased the harsh reality many disabled children and their families face when trying to navigate the system of support, including access to specialist equipment. We know that it has never been more difficult for disabled children to access the equipment they need, with only two in five families feeling they have the right equipment. For most families, getting the right equipment isn’t just a matter of convenience – it’s a matter of quality of life. From communication devices to wheelchairs, the waiting lists and assessments can take months, even years.

Following its launch, we have kept up momentum by regularly engaging with key stakeholders including MPs to raise awareness and ensure that disabled children are prioritised in government policy. We’re pushing for clear guidance on the responsibilities of local services for equipment provision, maximum wait times for assessments and the creation of a ring-fenced budget for specialist children’s equipment.

It’s always great to secure meetings with MPs in person – not least because it gives us a chance to be in the thick of the action in Westminster. Portcullis House provides an opportunity to play “spot the MP” (this time, I spotted Jeremy Corbyn walking the halls) but it is absolutely pivotal to be able to sit an MP down, look them in the eye and tell them that this issue cannot wait any longer.

In meetings with MPs from across the political spectrum, we shared personal stories from families affected by the lack of timely equipment and support as well as the daily challenges they face – from having to give up work, to limited mental health support and not being able to enjoy things people take for granted, like taking their children to a park, where they can play safely. It was encouraging to see the willingness of MPs and their support in pledging to raise the issues in the House of Commons. It was also opportune that the following day there was a Westminster Hall debate on local authority provision of playground, in which Stafford MP Leigh Ingham advocated for the need for suitable and accessible playgrounds for all children and mentioned our work!

We’ll be following up with MPs to ensure that the issues we raised stay on their radar. And we’ll continue to build momentum, mobilising families and supporters across the country to make sure that disabled children get the support they deserve.

But we can’t do this alone. We need your voice to strengthen our work. By sharing your story, signing our petition, or simply raising awareness, you can help ensure that every disabled child has the opportunity to thrive.