The mum of a Bournemouth three-year-old says provision of a specialist bed has been a ‘life-saver’ for the family.
Madeleine Moore, from the Winton area of the town, is finally sleeping in safety – thanks to the simple piece of equipment provided by Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children.
Newlife is the UK’s largest charity provider of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness.
Madeleine has developmental delay and is being assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorder. She also has Pica, a condition characterised by an appetite for unsuitable substances like plaster, wood and plastics.
Night-times were a nightmare for the family, as Maddie is a poor sleeper and would regularly climb out of her cot, wake her four-year-old sister Lilly and be generally disruptive. Mum Catherine Mullins says: “She had stayed in a cot for her own safety, but when she was able to climb over the sides – climbing is one of her favourite things to do – then our flat became a dangerous environment for Maddie. And no-one else in the family could get much sleep either, which had a significant impact on her sister’s health.”
With no funding available from local statutory services for a safe sleeping environment for Maddie, the family turned to Newlife Foundation. Catherine said: “To my surprise, within a week we had a SafeSpace Voyager installed in the flat. It is exactly what we needed and is a vital piece of equipment for us to be able to keep Maddie safe.”
She added: “Anything inappropriate Maddie will try to eat. Combined with her sensory processing disorder which causes her to bounce and climb at any opportunity, it meant we were having to watch her constantly. Maddie loves her new bed and definitely rests more at night, even if she doesn’t sleep more. She has a handful of toys in the bed with her to keep her occupied.
“I suffered with anxiety problems before the bed came – now the whole family is benefitting.”
Newlife provided the safe sleeping environment through its emergency safety loan service. Equipment loans are made for around six months, while Newlife works with local statutory service to try to secure provision. If this is not possible, Newlife can further support families through equipment grants for permanent provision.
Through equipment grants and loans Newlife has supported 106 families in Dorset, with expenditure totalling £131,067. There are currently a further four families in the county with equipment needs of £2,050. If you would like to find out how you could help other children in Dorset like Madeleine – or just want more information about Newlife Foundation – go to: www.newlifecharity.co.uk/dorset. Alternatively, contact the Newlife County Liaison Team on 01543 431 444, email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.
Newlife guarantees that 100 per cent of monies donated or fundraised in Dorset will be used to specifically help children with disabilities and terminal illness in the county.
Pictured: Madeleine Moore
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