Anna and her family were introduced to Little Havens over ten years ago, when her daughter Toni-Jo was first diagnosed with a life-limiting condition.

“I was struggling to cope after a serious diagnosis for my youngest,” Anna remembers. “It was a bit overwhelming, but the team took time and explained as many times as I needed.”

Since then, the family has received many kinds of support from Little Havens, including bereavement support when Anna’s husband, the girls’ father, died. Anna, her eldest daughter and Toni-Jo were all offered wellbeing support, from group activities to phone calls. “They have never wavered on supporting us. It’s never changed. They are always a phone call away for anything.”

The family also receive regular respite support at home from Shelly, who is part of the Community Team. For Anna, having Shelly there has been life-changing.

“It’s difficult to trust others with your disabled child, so it’s a huge relief being able to leave Shelly to get on with things. It means I get a chance to catch up on the household things, or rest, if I need to. I talk to Shelly too — she supports me as much as she does Toni-Jo.”

More recently, Anna and Toni-Jo have been introduced to Little Havens’ Occupational Therapist, Ben, and Marie, the physiotherapist. Toni-Jo receives OT and physio support through school, but Anna hadn’t realised this kind of support was also available through Little Havens, and the impact has already been significant.

“They bring new things, equipment ideas, and base a physio programme on what our family needs at home. It doesn’t sound like much of a difference, but there really is one.”

“The whole team at Little Havens all go way above for the children and families. They are never too busy for anyone. I can’t speak highly enough about the Little Havens team.”