Claudia’s Story – Disability Services

“Finding the Short Breaks service was like a heavy weight being lifted off us”

Claudia,14, was born early and needed specialist care for the first ten days of her life. Initially diagnosed with a floppy windpipe and severe acid reflux, Claudia’s mum, Gabriella, knew something wasn’t right. From that moment on, the family began fighting for answers.

Four years later, Claudia was diagnosed with two rare genetic conditions, known as SATB2 syndrome and BRPF1-related disorder. She also has osteoporosis and autism. Claudia is non-verbal and experiences difficulty with her balance and dexterity.

“Claudia is such a happy soul,” says Gabriella. “But having a child with additional needs has changed every part of our lives. Our day to day routine became limited. She was sensitive to noise, even certain voices could create triggers, and so we slowly retreated into the small world she could cope with.”

The family had to plan where they could go, for how long and always be prepared to abandon outings. “We couldn’t attend family celebrations,” explains Gabriella. “Even now, my husband and I operate in a ‘tag’ team. One of us goes out while the other stays with Claudia.”

After Claudia’s diagnosis, the family felt lost in the system, with no guidance on how to navigate life with her complex needs. Gabriella says: “When Claudia was diagnosed, we were handed a brief leaflet about the syndromes and that was the extent of the help we received.”

Then, when Claudia was nine years old, a paediatrician attached to her school mentioned YMCA East Surrey’s Short Break services. Yippee, for children aged 5-11, and Yip4Youth, for young people aged 12-17, offer fun, inclusive activities for children with a range of disabilities and additional needs. These day sessions run at weekends and during school holidays in Crawley, Epsom, Horsham, Leatherhead and Reigate, with Yippee also operating in Chailey near Lewes. The service gives children a safe, engaging space, and families some much-needed respite.

Support is tailored by the experienced team to cater for a range of needs, including one-to-one assistance. The service is partially funded by local councils, allowing families to pay a minimal fee per session. A bursary scheme is offered by YMCA to make it accessible to everyone.

“I sighed audibly when the paediatrician suggested the possibility of Yippee,” recalls Gabriella. “The thought that someone else would help us care for Claudia, for the first time in our lives, it was like a heavy weight being lifted off us.”

Claudia started with Yippee in Reigate, and as Gabriella puts it, took to it “like a duck to water”. Now attending Yip4Youth in Reigate and Epsom, the sessions give Claudia the freedom to explore and join in on her own terms.

“Despite being non-verbal, Claudia loves taking the lead and staff are there to support her,” explains Gabriella. “She’s happiest when music is involved, but the real joy is when people engage with her explorations and just be with her.”

Gabriella describes how YMCA East Surrey has opened up Claudia’s world: “She’s done things we never thought possible, like going swimming or out on trips. She’s met a wide variety of people, helping her social skills. And most importantly, she’s had the chance to explore life outside the family. It’s given her confidence and enrichment.”

As well as the positive impacts on Claudia, the support has also been transformative for the rest of the family.

“The difference to us is huge,” says Gabriella. “We’re rarely apart from Claudia, so Short Breaks has given us a slice of normality. We use this time to simply breathe again. We do everyday things we’ve missed, like going to the shops, enjoying a coffee and spending time with Claudia’s sister, Sophia.”

Charlotte Payne, Senior Coordinator for Reigate Short Breaks at YMCA East Surrey, said: “A lot of the children and young people who come to us have very structured school days and frequent medical appointments. At Short Breaks, the children lead their own play. It gives them space to relax and be themselves.

“Claudia is a wonderful young person. She really enjoys interacting with staff and other young people, especially when there are noisy toys! She loves being here and it gives her family time to recharge, knowing she’s safe, supported and having fun.”

Above all, Gabriella values how the team embrace Claudia for who she truly is. “Claudia has a real zest for life,” says Gabriella. “It’s such a relief to have a place where she isn’t being squashed into a mould, but is celebrated for exactly who she is.”