Cash for Kids is Signal 1’s charity dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children in Staffordshire and Cheshire. Whether you live in poverty, are ill, disabled, or have additional needs, we want to help you enjoy your life to the fullest.
Thanks to THEY Cash for Kids changed the lives of hundreds of children in the area this year. Here are some of the projects we have been able to help with;
Ruby’s find
Ruby’s Fund supports children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities at their Sensory Center in Congleton, Cheshire. The center has special facilities such as a sensory room, a soft play area and a social café. Its goal is to improve the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of children and their families.
Cash for Kids has financed the new Ruby’s Fund Gaming Group Project. This is a social group for young people on the autism spectrum based on games on popular consoles. The sessions offer the opportunity to make new friends in a small group while enjoying the common interest in computer games. In addition, the equipment is used by a group of siblings. The siblings of disabled children can often miss activities and feel isolated. The sibling group enables them to build friendships and share their common personal experiences with others in similar situations.
Our space
Our space is located in specialized premises in Newcastle-under-Lyme. They offer children and young people with disabilities a wide range of games, recreation and social activities as well as support for their families. Its barrier-free, purpose-built area houses a soft play area, a large play room, a handicraft area, kitchen and toilet facilities as well as a spacious outdoor area with play equipment, nature trail, sensor area and a large sports field.
Cash for Kids has helped them renovate their role play area with a playhouse complete with a play kitchen furniture set, play food and crockery and play kitchen equipment. The role play corner is intended to help children learn through play, improve their social and communication skills and thus build friendships.
Self-sufficient children
Self Sufficient Children is a community group founded to help children grow fresh fruits and vegetables and teach them where food comes from. Susan, the director of Self Sufficient Children, heard from parents and other children that they didn’t know where their food was coming from, so she wanted to do something to help them study. The allotment and nature area at Self Sufficient Children allows children to get outdoors, make new friends, and the food they grow helps reduce their pressurized food bills for the family.
Funding from Cash for Kids helped them buy lots of gardening tools that the children use to grow many different types of fresh food.
Central Cheshire Buddy Program
The Central Cheshire Buddy Scheme supports disabled children and young people in Cheshire. Their goal is to help the children gain new experiences and have fun with friends in a safe, supportive environment. The children have all disabilities including a physical disability (e.g. Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Williams syndrome), learning disabilities and autism. Many have challenging behaviors that make it difficult for parents to take them away. Children also come from low-income families who cannot afford trips. All of these factors affect children’s quality of life and life experiences.
The Central Cheshire Buddy Scheme organizes outdoor activities and uses the minibus to take the kids on outings, activities, day trips and on weekends in residential areas.
Cash for Kids funds are used to take the kids with them on trips to places like Blackpool, Crosby, New Brighton, Prestatyn and Llandudno as part of their Beach Buddies project.
ALICE
ALICE supports around 350 children under the age of 5 who live in some of the most deprived communities in England. Many of these children live in poor conditions, their houses lack even the essentials such as beds, mattresses, stoves, carpets, protective grilles and heating.
Through their programs, they are able to identify and support some of the most vulnerable children in the area. They help with clothing, school uniforms, school supplies, toiletries, hygiene kits, food and heating. Many of these children go to school with empty stomachs. Via the pantry, they deliver food for families and breakfast via partner schools.
They also run free playgroups for 0-5 year olds in the communities where these children live. Many of these children can become isolated due to poverty and are often faced with a domestic environment that is prone to domestic violence and substance abuse. The playgroups enable disadvantaged children to play safely and stimulatingly, develop social skills, make friends and enjoy a healthy snack.
Funding for Cash for Kids Day will enable ALICE to provide 356 children under 5 with grocery packages, toiletries, clothing and emergency heating for their homes.
Cash for Kids in the Midlands has also helped children in the East Midlands and West Midlands.
BUT we can only help more children with your help – so click here to learn more about Cash for Kids and how you can help.