Taddies, a parent and child group at The Children’s Trust in Surrey , provides a community where families can feel accepted. This is why children like Matthew and his mum Kelly need people like you.

Matthew was born with a missing chromosome and a condition called Angelman Syndrome.

Matthew’s mum Kelly shares their story.

My gorgeous four-year-old son, Matthew, has had seizures since he was tiny and was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. Matthew has also got the biggest smile you’ve ever seen. He’d wrap you around his little finger if you met him. He does that with everyone! But still there have been plenty of times when, just because Matthew sometimes struggles in social situations, the two of us have been made to feel very alone.

I’ve been to parent and child groups where I felt everyone was looking at us, even judging us, because Matthew doesn’t like loud noises and doesn’t really play with toys. The one place where I finally felt like we belonged was Taddies – The Children’s Trust’s parent and child group. It showed me what a magical place The Children’s Trust can be for children with neurodisability and for their families.

The staff can’t do enough for you. There are all these activities. Messy play, music, soft play, puzzles, cooking. Everything is carefully set up to help children learn and develop – and Matthew really did come out of himself at those sessions.

There are very few places where I know Matthew is completely happy, other than at home. But he loved being at Taddies so much. I think he just felt safe there. Taddies is just one of the many services The Children’s Trust provides that helps children and families feeling alone become part of a supportive community where they can thrive. But they can only run their services thanks to donations.

You can help more families come to Taddies and The Children’s Trust nursery, Tadworth Tots, and finally feel accepted.

The sense of community is clearer than ever at Christmas. Did you know that each year the charity arranges a pantomime to be performed onsite for all the children? Or that they take children from Taddies, Tadworth Tots and The Children’s Trust School for days out, like going to see the Glow lights at RHS Wisley Gardens?

Please help more children and families experience special treats like pantos and magical trips this Christmas by donating today. What better Christmas gift could there be than the chance to bring joy to children and families and stop them feeling alone?

Please gift a donation this Christmas: (https://bit.ly/3SGt9lW)