Daisy Chain is a unique charity established to address the needs of both children with autism and their families. We do this through providing a range of services and activities from the 5.5-acre farm in Stockton-on-Tees where we are based.
Autism is much more common than most people think. There are over half a million people in the UK with autism - that's around 1 in 100 people.
People with autism have said that the world, to them, is a mass of people, places and events that they struggle to make sense of, and which can cause them considerable anxiety. In particular, understanding and relating to other people, and taking part in everyday family and social life may be harder for them.
At Daisy Chain our vision is to provide a range of support measures that take account of the needs of the whole family rather than just the child who has autism because autism has such a big impact on the whole family. We support parents, carers and siblings too through the provision of respite care and the opportunity to talk with other parents and siblings in the same position as themselves.
Despite being a relatively new charity we have achieved significant development and growth.
The charity provides a range of services and activities including:
Support activities for families:
Our Weekly Links Group
- With regular speakers
- Up to date information for carers
- Social activities
- Counselling services
- Pamper Sessions
- Holiday activities
- Sibling Support Groups
- Respite care
- Internet Access
- An extensive resource library
- Regular Contact through Phone, email, text and newsletters
Educational and Recreational opportunities at Calf Fallow Farm
- Gardening Clubs
- Sports Activities
- Sensory Areas
- Nature trails and wetland
- An animal petting farm
- Outdoor play area
There is no facility providing the same holistic support to children with autism and their families in the UK.
We believe that Daisy Chain makes a demonstrable, significant and sustainable difference to the lives of many families across the Tees Valley. The many letters of thanks and support we receive show how much of a difference we make. The difference a short respite break makes to a family is vital and allows the family to relax and have some quality time together.
Our goal is to provide support to over 800 children during 2008, and to increase this number significantly over the following years such is the demand.
We will provide this care through our Day Centre that will provide a range of activities including:
- Soft play area including a sensory area;
- Arts and crafts room.
- IT/music suite.
- Conference area
- Meeting Rooms
The Centre will be used by children with special needs and provide part of our respite services at the farm. This means that we will provide support groups and activities for parents while their children are being cared for within the Day Centre. This support is vital to enabling families to maintain their cohesion and family life through the strains that can be evident when looking after a child with autism.
The completion of the new building will result in a comprehensive support facility unique in England.
