Disabled Children's Partnership

There are over one million disabled children in the UK. Yet we know that fewer disabled children than ever before are currently getting support. As part of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, Sense is committed to raising awareness of the challenges faced by disabled children and their families.

Recent research conducted by the DCP shows there is a funding gap in disabled children’s services which means tens of thousands are missing out on vital help that enables them to do things other children take for granted like eat, talk, leave the house, have fun and attend school.

#GiveItBack Campaign

Disabled children and their families are missing out on vital care and support as a result of government cuts. This is harming children and families’ physical and mental health, affecting parental relationships and causing children to needlessly miss out on school or college. £434 million in social care, support and provision is owed to families of disabled children, and the DCP is demanding the government to #GiveItBack

Research by the DCP found that:-

• only 1 in 25 (4%) of parents/carers feel they get the right support to safely care for their disabled children.
• more than half (54%) of parents/carers have been treated by a GP for depression, anxiety or stress (including suicidal thoughts).
• 53% of parents have been forced to give up a paid job to care for their disabled child.
• 40% have experienced relationship breakdown with a partner since diagnosis. 64% of those say a lack of support had a major impact on the breakdown of a relationship.
• more than a third (37%) say their disabled child has missed school or college because the staff or services aren’t available to support them.
• a third (33%) say their disabled child has been in unnecessary extra pain because the right equipment, doctor or health service hasn’t been available.

How you can help us 

The DCP with the help of parent carer Vickey is asking the Chancellor to give back the £434 million shortfall in disabled children’s social care. Join the DCP and Vickey by signing their open letter. By clicking the link you will be directed to the Disabled Children's Partnership signature web page.