Easter Monday Appeal

LD:NorthEast is the charity for people with learning difficulties and autism which helps with Ferretfingers.  In ‘normal’ times Outreach/Support worker Emil takes him swimming on Thursdays, and to help in the garden at the City Farm on Fridays.  Twice a year we use some of his local authority care package budget to pay for a respite weekend at a local caravan park, which he loves and looks forward to.  I volunteer at the Knit’n’natter group for ladies over fifty and am on the board of trustees.

Much of LDNE’s funding comes from the local authority for providing support to vulnerable people with learning difficulties and autism.  This includes providing access to activities most of us take for granted: going out and about, meeting friends, socialising, exercising, medical check-ups, you name it and it's likely one of our staff does it.  The charity aims to provide "Fun Friends and Feel Good" for everyone.

LDNE also provides support for parents of children from birth to 5 years who have learning and/or physical disabilities, communication difficulties, complex health needs or life limiting conditions.  

As well as providing early years play activities, LDNE's experienced staff can support parents at  meetings and liaison with health and care professionals. There is also the #MeTime Siblings Support group for siblings of children with disabilities and complex needs.

Social distancing means much of this work cannot now be done.  For example my son and other people can't be taken on days out.  Playgroups and adult group activities can’t happen.

LDNE's staff continues to do their best for isolated vulnerable clients: taking meals to those living alone, doing shopping etc.  I even get a weekly phone call to check everything is ok and whether we need any help.  The staff are being wonderfully imaginative, using technology to bring people together virtually and do things like Sing & Sign sessions online for little ones.

With far less money coming in from the local authority than planned, LD:NorthEast needs to raise as much money from generous people’s donations as possible.

One of LDNE’s regular local fundraisers is a Bake Off competition. 

This year it was scheduled for Saturday 25^thApril, obviously it can’t happen now.

But our brilliant development manager has come up with the idea of a virtual Bake Off using text and social media

If you’ve enjoyed my blogs, 

if my emoji faux pas raised a smile, 

and if you can afford it, 

please consider making a text donation to LDNE. 

Text LDNEBAKE to 70085 to donate £3 (the cost of an entry ticket), the text will cost the donation amount plus one standard rate message*. 

Then, if you wish to, send a photo of what you’ve been baking to LDNE for their website gallery. 

Don’t worry you won’t be opting in to any further communication from LD:NorthEast.

Thank you.

 Feel free to share this post with any cake baking friends.

* Sadly I don't think/know whether the text donation will work outside the UK

PS This is the first time I've used the blog to make a charitable appeal, but we live in strange times and needs must when the devil drives.