As a small national charity, your donations help us provide vital information and support, share best practice and influence change. We are very grateful to everyone who donates or fundraises for us.

We would like to reach a point where the CBF is no longer needed, because children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities and their families are well supported by a joined-up system. Unfortunately, there is a long way to go and the external context we are operating in means there is almost more need for the CBF now than when we were first established nearly thirty years ago. 

Family carers are key to their relative’s lives but face isolation due to the unusual challenges they live with. Despite their critical role in advocating for their relative, families are too often side-lined or faced with parent-blame. The system that should be there to support families is often a direct cause of trauma. When families contact us, it is often because they are in crisis. Their relatives are at risk of restrictive responses which compromise their rights and quality of life. Family carers are also at risk of poor outcomes, including physical/mental ill-health, physical injury, and financial burdens. This is not inevitable and can be avoided with the right support. 

With your help we can continue to support families, share best practice and influence policy, working towards a future where the CBF will no longer be needed, because children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities and their families are well supported by a joined-up system.