Latest Newlife News

PUTTING DISABILITY ISSUES ON THE CURRICULUM

Leading UK children’s disability charity Newlife Foundation and the UK Youth Parliament are looking to work together to address disability issues relating to young people.

The Parliament’s Youth Democracy manager Paul Boskett, MBE, visited the charity’s Staffordshire headquarters on Friday 26 April to find out how Newlife supports disabled and terminally ill children across the UK.

During his visit, Paul Boskett said: “I am interested in looking at solutions which offer young people the opportunity to have their voices heard and to log into other young people’s agendas in this area.”

Mr Boskett met up with Cannock and Lichfield area YMP (Member of the Youth Parliament) Megan Collins, aged 14, and her deputy Matt Mansell, also 14.

Megan said: “Although we live locally we had no idea of the charity’s national scope and we would like to help Newlife by supporting some of its campaigns.”

Newlife Policy Development Manager Clare Dangerfield added: “Working together, we hope to raise awareness among Members of the Youth Parliament of issues affecting their disabled peers. ‘A Curriculum for Life’ is the main topic for discussion within the Youth Parliament this year. This is all about fulfilling potential, regardless of ability. Newlife supports hundreds of children each year through provision of equipment to access education; equipment like wheelchairs, standing and walking frames, specialist seating and communication aids. This is a subject very close to our hearts and we look forward to working together to enable more students to make the most of opportunities in life.”

Newlife supports disabled and terminally ill children and their families across the UK through a range of practical services accessed through its national Nurse Helpline – freephone 0800 902 0095. Newlife has funded £8.5million of specialist disability equipment for more than 5,800 babies, children and young people, provides an emergency equipment loan service for children receiving end of life care and offers the loan of sensory and developmental aids for those with complex needs. In addition, the charity has funded £15million towards medical research and campaigns on behalf of families for a better deal.

A tour of Newlife’s headquarters in the Staffordshire town of Cannock showed Paul how the charity’s core services are supported by a successful recycling and retail operation – run by Newlife Trading Ltd – which works in partnership with dozens of High Street chains.

Newlife has two stores in Cannock and one in Uttoxeter selling a wide range of donated clothing and home wares. All profits help fund the charity’s range of services and underwrite the Newlife pledge that 100 per cent of all money donated or fundraised will be spent on providing practical support for under-19s – not a penny is deducted for administration charges.

For further information about Newlife Foundation, its range of services and how to help through volunteering and fundraising, go to: www.newlifecharity.co.uk

Pictured: Youth Democracy manager Paul Boskett with MYP Megan Collins and deputy Matt Mansell.

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