THERAPY CAN CONTINUE ONLINE

Funding gives a boost to vital work of charity’s free services to children

Heel & Toe Children’s Charity is one of the charities getting vital support from Barclays’ £100m Covid-19 Community Aid Package.

Based in County Durham, Heel & Toe helps children with cerebral palsy and other physical and neurological disabilities to live active, fulfilling and independent lives by giving them access to free therapy.

It was started in 2008 by dad Paul Bannister, who was frustrated by what was available for his own daughter and determined no child should be denied therapy due to a lack of money.

The only charity of its type in the North East, around 300 children and young people, aged from three months to 25 years, attend sessions at Heel & Toe each week led by specialist paediatric therapists including conductive education, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, massage therapy, hydrotherapy and occupational therapy.

ONLY CONNECT Therapy can now continue online

Funding from Barclays will allow Heel & Toe to adapt and reach those families who currently have nowhere else to turn, offering weekly one-to-one video and online therapy sessions in their homes.

Paul Gilsenan, chairman of the board of trustees at Heel & Toe, says: “Our parents are desperate for a safe and accessible way for their children to continue receiving therapy sessions.

“The video therapy service is a lifeline and allows children who are shielding to receive therapy in a safe environment.”