Across the UK, a child is diagnosed with a severe disability every 25 minutes. Although some children need hospital care, 98% of disabled children live at home with a parent or other family member who may not have expected to be in this position but who has quickly had to become an expert.

When parents find out that their child is disabled they feel isolated and alone because usually they don't know anyone else facing the same problems. They want contact with another family who've been through a similar experience and they want information about their child's disability.

Contact a Family is the only UK-wide charity providing advice, information and support to the parents of all disabled children - no matter what their disability or health condition. They also enable parents to get in contact with other families, both on a local and national basis. Each year we reach at least 275,000 families.

They offer a range of services to support families including a freephone helpline and a number of offices, staff and volunteers around the UK. They also provide information to professionals and developmental advice to support groups. Most of their information materials can be found on this website, others will need to be ordered. They also work to influence services and have campaigns that aim to improve the quality of life for families with disabled children.

Contact a Family, 209-211 City Road, London EC1V 1JN

Tel: 020 7608 8700
Fax: 020 7608 8701 

Helpline 0808 808 3555 or Textphone 0808 808 3556
Freephone for parents and families (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm & Mon, 5.30-7.30pm)

e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
website:  contact a family

Registered Charity Number 284912