Founded in 2001 by the late Dame Vera Lynn, the charity has grown from a small, dedicated service into a specialist regional centre, supporting families from across the southeast at one of the most critical stages in their child’s development.
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Our story
Dame Vera Lynn’s compassion for children facing difficult starts in life, and her determination to ensure families never feel alone, remains at the heart of everything we do.
What began as her personal vision has grown into a charity providing early-intervention support, including physiotherapy, music therapy, swimming, speech and language therapy, rebound therapy, outreach home-play and tailored parent support — all delivered in a warm, family-centred environment.
Over the past 25 years, we have supported more than 1,000 children and their families, helping children build mobility, communication, confidence, and independence, while empowering parents as partners in their child’s progress.
Our impact across the southeast
Today, we support families from West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire and beyond, with almost 100 families accessing support each week.
Our programmes are designed to reach children as early as possible, when intervention can make the greatest difference — giving children the best possible start and families the reassurance, knowledge and support they need.
Providing this holistic programme of support costs £7,000 per child, and every family receives our services free of charge.
Looking to the future
We receive no statutory funding and rely entirely on the generosity of individuals, communities and corporate partners. It costs over £600,000 each year to deliver our services — all provided free of charge to families.
As demand continues to rise, our priorities for the years ahead include
- Expanding access to early-intervention services
- Strengthening outreach across the southeast
- Evidencing and demonstrating impact through research and learning
- Ensuring every child can access support when it matters most
Help us support more children
To mark this milestone, we are launching our 25th Anniversary Campaign, with the goal of raising enough funds to support 25 more children this year.
You can be part of this life-changing impact by:
- Sponsoring a child for a year, helping them access vital early intervention services
- Taking part in one of our events or challenges
- Creating your own fundraising activity and supporting us in your unique way
Every contribution, big or small, helps us reach more children and families when they need it most.
See our children’s stories and celebrate the difference you make.
If you would like to get involved or find out more, please contact our team.
Together, we can help ensure every child has the best possible start in life.
[email protected]
01444 473274
Donate Today
Your £10 monthly donation could help us to keep offering the hydrotherapy sessions with the children each week