Our Derbyshire High Sheriff Fund made a grant to Chesterfield based charity Fairplay last year, as their families were still grappling with the impact and prevalence of Covid. The grant was to support and extend overnight respite care for young people with physical disabilities and / or neurodivergence. And to also allow the development of skills connected to independent living
Overnight provision, at Fairplay’s tailored property ‘Fairview’, has allowed young people with learning disabilities to spend time away from home, with their friends, in a safe supportive environment.
Young people report back that being able to socialise with their peers after what has been a very difficult time has made them feel ‘happy’. Fairview will play a crucial role in building back confidence, and social connections, which were badly impacted by the pandemic.
Parents regularly state the service has helped reduce stress in the family, it can be a release valve, and they know their child is being well cared for, as well as helping them develop as a rounded individual and enjoy experiences most young people take for granted.
Charlotte – ”if I didn’t stay at Fairview I wouldn’t know what it was like to live away from home”
Connor – ”all my friends are at Fairview house and I enjoy going to the chip shop with them on Friday nights!”
Usually, at Fairview house, the young people run a community cafe which is open to everyone. This is a good opportunity for the young people to be active in their local area and to showcase the skills that they have learnt whilst staying at the house during the weekend.
Steph – ”I love helping at the cafe at Fairview, one day I’d like to work in Marks and Spencer’s”
“Core funding is always misunderstood and often difficult to achieve as there isn’t necessarily a project at the end of it for the funder to see. So core funding, like this grant, is very much appreciated. No matter how successful a charity is, there are going to be times when they will need help with funding for non specific projects.” –
Heather Fawbert – CEO Fairplay
