After a first glimpse into the commitment and dedication of carers supporting disabled children and their families, it’s easy to see why the Parents Consortium has been named as the Messenger’s Charity of the Year.

It has been instrumental in providing such support in Dartford and Gravesham since 1996, and as its 20th anniversary looms, 2016 is promising to be a momentous year.

On the agenda is a fundraising campaign to provide disabled children with inclusive summer break play schemes, expansions and improvements at the charity’s care homes, and increased educational support for parents.

A new look is also planned, bringing the charity’s four key services – short breaks for disabled children; family advice; children and families direct payments; and Dragon’s Retreat short break unit – under one banner.

Listening to marketing manager Caroline Brinkman explain the range of services offered by the Parents Consortium is truly eye-opening, both in terms of the immense workload and the help its carers and staff need to fulfil it.

Caroline said: “One of our main challenges is that we integrate disabled children.

“We have to mix them with non-disabled children more and more so that they don’t feel secluded.”

Caroline is keen to stress that caring for disabled children, even when they are able-bodied, can be exceptionally challenging for both parents and carers. The children and young people who access the charity’s services can have multiple learning difficulties, complex health needs, physical impairment, autism and more.

Short breaks are provided at Allsworth Court in Hextable, which offers a fully equipped playroom, a ball pit and a sensory room. Plans are in place to expand the unit’s garden.

Caroline said: “We are making a fuss of some of these children because some of them come from quite poor backgrounds. And just because a child is able-boded doesn’t mean they haven’t got a disability.”

The family advice service offers financial help for children from such backgrounds, as well as help with transport, health and education. Parent’s Consortium also provides the only independent care home in the county, Dragon’s Retreat, with all the others being run by Kent County Council.

Dragon’s Retreat gives parents and carers a break from the often stressful commitment to care for a disabled child, and allows those children to enjoy each other’s company in a calm, peaceful six-bed residential unit.

A further unique aspect of the Parents Consortium is its commitment to young carers; another way in which the disabled children in its care are integrated with their wider age group.

Caroline said: “A 15-year old child doesn’t want to be talking to a 45-year-old carer.

“They want to be messing about with an 18-year-old and playing on the PlayStation with people their age. We had a Christmas workshop, which brings in and involves the whole family.”

It promises to be a fantastic event to close out the year, encapsulating the good work the Parents Consortium does.

More events will follow, all aiming to raise awareness and help push towards a £1.4 million fundraising target. You can donate at parentsconsortium.org.uk, or by texting PCPS15 followed by the amount you wish to give to 70070.