Welcome to Coping with Chaos
We are a registered charity suporting families caring for a child/children or young person with a disability or special educational need. We provide services for families living in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole. The cost of our services are kept as low as we can possibly make them, and all are heavily subsidised. We know how much it takes to look after our families, so we try very hard not to add to that cost.
Background
Coping with CHAOS was started in 1997 by two parents who were fed up of not being able to go to any activities during school holidays with their disabled children and of not being able to get the support they needed, as carers, to cope with day to day life. Lots of organisations talked about 'inclusion' and support, but in reality there was little available. So they decided to do something about it. The first holiday Play Opportunity was held that year for 12 families and their children.
Today nearly 250 families benefit from a range of carer support services and Coping with CHAOS is recognised as a major provider for families in the area. All the permanent staff have children with disabilities or have extensive 'parent approved' experience working with children with disabilities.
What we do...
Play Opportunities
For disabled children and their siblings. Held every weekday of the school holidays. We run a variety of staffed play sessions at different locations including play and leisure centres, local attractions, special schools and at our own offices.
Awesome Nights Youth Group
Supported activities and outings for disabled young people from 13 to 19 years.
V Inspired
Young peoples' volunteer programme.
Face to Face
Parent Befriending service. Support for parents by parents.
Information & Signposting
We hold information on various organisations offering support to families with a disabled child/children.
Fundraising
Various events are held throughout the year to help raise the funds we need to provide our services.
Contact
Coping with CHAOS, The Families Centre,
Bond Avenue, West Moors, FERNDOWN Dorset BH22 0LL
01202 855105
Office hours Monday to Thursday, 10am - 2pm.
Registered Charity No 1076937
