Hartlepool charity that supports disabled children launches £17,000 appeal

A Hartlepool organisation that supports hundreds of children and young people a week is in need of a lift after their elevator broke down.
Families First service users Kai Sergison (22) (left) and Josh Chow (right) (22) along with youth support worker Karl Nunn (37) with the broken lift behind them, York Road, Hartlepool.Families First service users Kai Sergison (22) (left) and Josh Chow (right) (22) along with youth support worker Karl Nunn (37) with the broken lift behind them, York Road, Hartlepool.
Families First service users Kai Sergison (22) (left) and Josh Chow (right) (22) along with youth support worker Karl Nunn (37) with the broken lift behind them, York Road, Hartlepool.

Families First North East has launched an appeal as it needs to raise thousands of pounds for a new lift at their base in York Road.

Without it, children and young people, including those with disabilities, are not able to access all of the services the charity offers to improve their quality of life.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The charity says it needs to be replaced as soon as possible and their target is £17,500.

The broken lift at Families First, in York Road, Hartlepool Picture by FRANK REID.The broken lift at Families First, in York Road, Hartlepool Picture by FRANK REID.
The broken lift at Families First, in York Road, Hartlepool Picture by FRANK REID.

Manager of Families First North East, Paul Thompson said: “The lift is absolutely crucial. Our centre is split over three levels.

“We have activities on the first floor for kids, some of whom use a wheelchair or have physical disabilities.

“Unfortunately, some of the kids are not being able to use all the facilities we have.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“At the minute we are having to bring equipment downstairs for those who cannot manage the staircase but it’s not always possible.”

Families First’s sensory room is on the first floor and older people with sight or hearing problems who also use the building are also affected, added Paul.

“It is having a real impact on the organisation,” he said. “More importantly, it is having a huge impact on those people we are trying to support the most.”

They have launched an online webpage where the fund currently stands at around £1,500, while Hartlepool Round Table has also pledged £1,000 to the cause.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A member of staff at Families First is planning to do a sponsored cyclethon and is in talks with a local bank to try to secure match funding.

Families First has been in existence for 30 years and supports over 450 individuals and benefits over 1,500 people a year.

It runs 17 services for people of all ages including a special needs toy library, weekly luncheon club aimed at adults aged 55, and befriending service for people with special needs including autism and families.

To donate to the lift appeal go to the page titled Help Lift Our Spirits at www.justgiving.com

Related topics: