We are proud to have partnered with Dreams Come True - a children's charity with a mission to bring joy to the lives of children living with a disability, serious illness or life-limiting condition, by making their dreams come true.
They are the only UK wish granting charity that solely supports children living in the highest areas of deprivation. Whether that is a break for a young cancer patient or specially adapted trikes for a school class with additional needs, their Dreams create moments of magic with lasting impact and are personal to each child we work with – as well as their families, friends, carers and communities.
Over the last 34 years Dreams Come True have fulfilled thousands of dreams, and they're on track this year to positively impact over 4,000 children.
- Dreams Come True is unique - it is the only wish granting charity that support children with a disability, serious illness or a life-limiting condition who are living in the highest areas of deprivation in the UK.
- It costs (on average) £581 a month more for every family with a disabled child to cover costs.
End Child Poverty Coalition show 4.1 million children (29%) were living in poverty in 2023/24.
- This means that almost 1 in 3 children in our classrooms are currently experiencing poverty.
The latest data available shows UK children from Black and minority ethnic groups are more likely to be in poverty, at 46%, compared with 26% of children from other groups.
- Children with a disability are 11% more likely to experience poverty With the cost-of-living crisis, our help is needed now more than ever.
ELISABETH’S SENSORY DREAM TOYS
Elisabeth is a 6-year-old girl from Stoke-On-Trent, who is navigating life with autism. She is non-verbal and adores sensory lights and playing with water. She came to Dreams Come True as she needed adapted sensory play for indoors to help keep her engaged and to regulate her emotions, an opportunity which she’s never had outside school.
It was decided alongside Elisabeth and her family that a sensory bubble tube and fibre optic station would be the favourites, along with other smaller sensory items like a glitter square! Elisabeth’s mum shared her feedback a few weeks after the dream had been fulfilled, and has seen such a difference at home. She said:
“Before the dream, Elisabeth found it hard to self-regulate at home. At school she had the needs of her sensory diet met, but we couldn't support her sensory needs at home. Until now! Thanks to DCT, Elisabeth now has a safe space at home where she can access sensory equipment to help her to regulate. Elisabeth loves watching the bubbles and the interactive lights, and we love watching her enjoy the space. As a whole family, we love this space and can't believe it is in our home! We are so grateful that Elisabeth's dream came true. Thank you Dreams Come True.
RICO’S SEASIDE BIRTHDAY ADVENTURE
Rico is a lively 9-year-old boy who lives in Manchester. He loves swinging, slides, and climbing, and although he loves to be active, he often has to use an adapted buggy when he gets tired, as well as to keep him safe in busy areas. Rico has autism and learning difficulties, mainly related to sensory processing and delayed speech. Because of this, Rico finds it extremely difficult to access services in the community, and his support team hoped that a holiday would provide a crucial social experience for him.
As he loves being active, his family thought that Butlins was the perfect place, and because he had a birthday coming up, they wanted to celebrate it in an extra special way doing something he loved.
In July 2024, Rico’s dream came true and he enjoyed his special holiday like every child should, playing on go-karts, arcades, and lots of rides! When it came to the best bits, mum Janine said, “Rico had so much fun at Splashworld, the fairground, and the Skyline playground. We went out onto Skegness pleasure beach on Rico’s birthday too. It was a great day. Thank you so much for funding Rico’s dream come true. We all had a fabulous time! He celebrated his 9th birthday in style.”
JASIEL’S DREAM BEDROOM MAKEOVER
Jasiel is 12 years old, from Manchester, and lives with Autism, a severe learning disability, and ADHD. This presents with significant communication and sensory integration difficulties, which means that having a safe and regulating environment is essential for him. He came to Dreams Come True looking for a bedroom makeover to help him settle in his new environment, and we were delighted to help.
When creating a dream, we work with a child, their referrer, and their family to ensure that it is just right for them, and upon learning that Jasiel’s passion is plane spotting, we knew we had to make his room extra special. We installed sensory lights, accessible furniture, and even an aviation-themed mural. The final magical touch was a projector, so he can watch the departures and arrivals at Heathrow Airport!
Since the makeover, Jasiel has spent more time in his bedroom feeling calm and regulated. He now takes himself up on quiet time – something that didn’t happen before. We think you can see from the image above just how much joy this has already brought Jasiel, and we can’t wait to see how this will impact him in the years to come.
ROMAN’S SENSORY EQUIPMENT DREAM
Roman is a 6-year-old boy who lives with his mum in Manchester. He loves being outdoors and playing with sensory items, exploring at his own pace. Roman finds it hard to communicate, but is learning sign language and dislikes loud crowds or being away from home.
Because of this, his family felt that his dream come true would be something to enhance his home life and help him when he is dysregulated. He struggles with sleep and often wants to play in his bedroom, but he had little that would hold his attention or keep him occupied. Dreams Come True were happy to support Roman with his very own sensory bundle, including a handheld tablet, fibre optic podium, and light-up tube to help make Roman’s bedroom his own and meet his needs. It’s now a space that Roman can enjoy safely all by himself and at his own pace.
On the day the equipment was installed, Roman was so happy he was in there playing before the handyman had even left! Since then, Mum said, “He is doing great! When he gets home, the light gives him a sense of calm after a long day.”
If you're interested in finding out more about Dreams Come True, you can either visit their website or contact their phone number at +44 (0) 1428 726330.
If you'd like to donate to the fantastic cause of Dreams Come True, please visit this link.
