A charity based in Farnham and Guildford which supports disabled children, youngsters and their families has a golden milestone in its sights.

Challengers plans to help 1,000 families through 100,000 hours of support by the end of 2029 through a five-year strategy which will take the good cause up to its 50th birthday.

The strategy “to transform the lives of disabled children, young people and their families through the power of play” also includes four key aims. They are:

To enrich the wellbeing and confidence of disabled children and young people; advocate for families and challenge the barriers that exclude them; connect families together to reduce isolation and create a community of support; and secure the resources needed to invest in vital services supporting disabled children and young people.

Gen Dearman, CEO of Challengers, said: “The demand for support services for disabled children and their families is ever-growing.

“Despite a challenging external environment, now is not the time to stand still, and families need us to be ambitious in our approach.

“Our new strategy marks a significant milestone in advancing our life-changing work so that we can transform the lives of even more disabled children, young people, and their families.” 

Challengers’ research has revealed that disabled children are routinely excluded from the same everyday activities as their non-disabled peers and 70 per cent of disabled young people are chronically lonely.

Their parents are suffering as well with 49 per cent saying they are excluded from other settings due to their child’s disability.

Challengers holds regular events and this year held its first Orange Aid, a festival attended by more than 400 disabled children and their families in a safe and welcoming environment.

There was also live music with supporter and guest star, Farnham mayor Cllr Brodie Mauluka, showcasing his musical talent.