A short introduction to the charity
Skiggle is currently a self-funded, non-profit online community that was launched in August 2016 by a mother whose young son, with Cerebral Palsy is the inspiration behind the idea. We are based in Preston, Lancashire and are currently in the process of applying to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Our aim is to help people, of all ages, who are involved with disabilities either in a personal or professional capacity. Our primary goal is to create a mutual support network for users to provide each other with practical help.
The website has been established for families and individuals either caring for disabled children or young adults or living with a disability themselves, to help each other in sudden moments of need.
This is achieved through the creation of a cloud-based SOS solution system for care-based essentials where our members can request immediate assistance in unforeseen circumstances; circumstances that may arise when out on day excursions, or on holiday (such was our own personal experience). Many of the individuals who come into contact with disabilities have a significant store of what can be described as consumables (such as feeding accessories, specialised food, breathing apparatus and continence products) AND have also been in a situation where a vital consumable is missing. The idea is to create a network of individuals willing to help others by providing missing consumables, free of charge, from their own (surplus) stock, in times of need.
It is an unfortunate reality that the NHS can’t always provide support, especially when it is needed unexpectedly. We aim to encourage parents, carers and individuals who exist within the world of disability to support one another when professional services cannot, and address the issue of being left without something essential.
The site also has a marketplace feature where users can donate or buy/sell items pertaining to a wealth of disabilities. In this feature we have launched our bereavement angel; an icon that users can select if they are using the site due to personal loss.
We have already had members successfully helped via the SOS service, and others sign up as they feel that it eases the fear of going away on holiday and finding themselves without support:
“Just signed up, it’s good to know that if we need an emergency mini button, pads, syringes etc I can call on parents/carers in the same situation”
(April 2018)
“Amazing site! I had an error on my sons feed pipe and no spare. Within an hour of signing up to skiggle I had been given some, by a kind lady who lived in the area I was visiting. Highly recommend and will look forward to passing the kindness on in the future.”
(December 2017)
The success of the site is wholly dependent upon registration of the UK people (for free) as with a greater number of registrants, so increases the chance of people being helped in times of need.
To contact the charity:
Christine (the founder)
07497 058080
www.skiggle.co.uk