A Wokingham-based charity that helps hundreds of children with additional needs and disabilities has issued an urgent appeal for support.
Me2 Club, which describes itself as Berkshire’s charity for children’s inclusion, has enabled children and young people with additional needs and disabilities in Wokingham and Reading to be included in the activities they love, so they can join in, build friendships, and thrive,
For more than 20 years it has been delivering life enriching experiences alongside much needed respite care for their families. That support enables children and young people to become more independent, feel included and access social activities.
Now it is facing an urgent challenge.
Hannah Norris, fundraising manager, told Wokingham Today: “Prevailing economic conditions, and the recent additional burdens placed upon employers, have not been kind to small charities such as ours.
“Despite our best endeavours, without significant and immediate new funding, we will be forced to withdraw some, if not all, of our services, delivering a devastating blow to the Berkshire community.
“If our services end, more than 120 children with disabilities will lose access to weekly mainstream leisure activities, as they rely on the one-to-one support of our dedicated volunteer buddies.
“Without this support, they will be excluded from experiences that promote inclusion, fun, and belonging.”
She added that families will lose access to the inclusive and accessible events that allow them to spend quality time together, something many take for granted but is often out of reach for families with disabled children.
“Without immediate support, the loss of these services will deeply affect children, young people, and families across our community.
“The ripple effect of this loss cannot be overstated.”
Chin Davies, CEO, added: “I have the privilege of witnessing the life-changing impact our charity has on children, young people, and families across Berkshire every single day.
“For more than two decades, we’ve championed inclusion ensuring that children with additional needs and disabilities are not left on the sidelines, but are fully part of the activities, friendships, and experiences that help them thrive.
“Unfortunately, due to factors outside of our control, Me2 Club is facing the most serious funding crisis in our 22-year history.
“Without immediate support, we will be forced to scale back or even close the services that so many rely on – services that are not a luxury, but a lifeline.
“We know times are tough for many, but even small acts of generosity can make a profound difference. Please, help us keep inclusion alive in Berkshire. Help us ensure that no child is left behind.”
“We urgently need to raise £80,000 to keep Me2 Club running for the rest of 2025. “Without this, children and families across our community will lose access to vital support. If we can raise this shortfall, we will be able to implement key measures that ensure Me2 Club becomes financially viable and sustainable into the future.
“With your support, we can not only protect our current services but also build a stronger, more resilient organisation for the years ahead.”
The organisation has launched a JustGiving appeal.
Hannah said: “Every donation, however small, will really help.”
She added that any companies keen on any form of corporate support or sponsorship can email her at Hannah@me2club.org.uk.
You can also find out more about the work of the Me2Club on Youtube.
