THE FEEDING Trust, which is based in Alvechurch, is launching its ‘12 Days of Christmas Challenge’ to support children who struggle to eat.
From Monday, December 1, to Decenber 12, the team from the charity – staff, volunteers and trustees – will take part in the new fundraising drive to raise vital funds for children with complex feeding challenges.
Christmas is a time often associated with celebration and food but for many of the families supported by the Feeding Trust, festive occasions can bring stress, anxiety and isolation.
Children with Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) or developmental feeding differences may find mealtimes frightening, overwhelming or physically difficult, and specialist support is not always available locally.
Each morning during the 12-day campaign, the team will open a ‘mystery challenge’ door, advent-calendar style, revealing a daily task which highlights one of the many hurdles children and families face during food-centred occasions.
The team will take on each challenge with curiosity and festive spirit while raising awareness of the wide-ranging needs of children with feeding difficulties.
Natalie Raven Morris, the CEO and founder of The Feeding Trust, said: “Many of the families we support travel long distances or face long waits to access the specialist therapy their child needs. “This campaign is an opportunity to increase understanding of what mealtimes can look like for these children, while raising funds to help us reach more families.”
Funds raised will help the charity provide specialist feeding therapy for children who struggle to eat, support parents who feel overwhelmed or isolated and give access to highly trained therapists not available in many local areas.
There will also be opportunities for children to participate more fully in mealtimes and celebrations.
Supporters can follow each daily challenge on the charity’s social media channels by searching for ‘The Feeding Trust’ on Facebook and Instagram.
Visit: feedingtrust.org for more information on the charity.
