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Sense is a national charity supporting people with complex disabilities.聽

The charity believes that with the right support, it鈥檚 possible for every individual to take part in life and flourish.

For 70 years, they have been committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent people with complex disabilities, such as deafblindness, from being understood, connected with and from living fulfilling lives.聽

Their services are tailored to the needs of the individuals, and they are here for them at every stage of life. The charity delivers support at home, online and in centres based in communities across the UK.聽聽

The support the charity offers for children, which includes playgroups and holidays, helps them to learn new skills, build confidence and, most importantly, have fun. Additionally, the parent support helps them to connect with their child and give them the best possible start, while creating a welcoming environment where families can share experiences, form lasting friendships and find the resilience needed to not just survive, but thrive.

I鈥檓 honoured to be supporting this appeal for Sense, a charity that believes no one, no matter their disability, should be left out of life.

Sense was founded 70 years ago by two mothers who both had children who were deafblind. They were committed to breaking down the barriers that stopped children being able to communicate and experience the world. Continuing that mission today, Sense now also supports people living with a range of other complex disabilities.

Sense delivers tailored support to people at every stage of life. From supporting a parent to communicate with their child for the first time, to helping an adult to live more independently. They deliver support online, at home, and in their centres.聽 With your help and support, Sense can continue their life-changing work.

Sonny, who is deafblind, spent the first year of his life in and out of hospital, but as he became stronger, the concern of his parents turned to what type of life he would have.聽聽

His mother, Julie, says: 鈥淵ou brace yourself for these lovely milestones, such as hearing them say mama or dad for the first time. Then, all of a sudden, you're told 鈥楴o, that's not how it's going to be. Your child can't hear what you're saying, your child might not be able to see your face鈥�...鈥� 聽

Dan and Julie struggled to connect with their son and worried he may never be able to express himself and be understood.聽

Sense provided the family with hope.聽

During home visits, the charity focused on what Sonny would be able to do. One of the first things was to support Sonny to learn symbol-based communication, so he could choose a picture to explain how he was feeling and to help him make decisions. 聽

鈥淥ur world would have been very different without Sense. They take such a positive, can-do approach. They鈥檙e like extended family鈥�, says Julie.

When Verity was a newborn, she and her mother, Sarah, attended one of Sense鈥檚 online early years groups, for very small children with complex disabilities and their parents.

One of the family鈥檚 biggest concerns at the time was how best to interact with Verity. Anne from Sense showed the parents that children like Verity have a particular love of sensory stimulation, and using stories, songs, and specialist toys, they were able to help explore Verity鈥檚 senses and connect with her.

Verity now five, attends specialist school, with Anne meeting the teachers to ensure they understand Verity鈥檚 needs and support her in the right way. And Verity continues to enjoy Sense online sessions led by Anne, where she loves activities like crafts and music.

Sarah says: 鈥淪ense has really opened up the world for Verity 鈥� but for us too as a family. It brought us together. It's made us stronger in terms of our interactions with Verity, for all of us and for her siblings, and long may it continue.

Cameron, who is deafblind and non-verbal, has received support from Sense since he was three months old.聽

His mother, Carla, remembers being devastated when she was first told the news. Carla says: 鈥淚t felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest. Just knowing that he's never going to get to see my face. I really thought his life was over before it even began.鈥�

The family started to attend their local Sense centre, which, Carla says, provided both emotional support and practical skills on how best to support Cameron.聽

鈥淚t helped connecting with other parents and people going through similar things. It helped me understand Cameron鈥檚 needs, spending time with him one to one with the support of Sense staff.鈥�

Now at school, Sense continues to support Cameron, helping build his confidence and independence, helping him learn hand under hand BSL and getting out in the community. Cameron loves to be active and through Sense has been able to participate in activities such as climbing, trampolining and swimming.