We’re helping families tackle the rise in the cost of living

Families who have children with special needs are coping better with the increase in the cost of living thanks to a new initiative.

Dream The Change CIC is grateful to Essex County Council for awarding us a grant to enable us to provide food parcels and winter warmth items to families associated with our organisation and beyond it. 

Paulina Rangel, a Trustee of Dream The Change, expressed gratitude, stating, "We greatly appreciate this generosity and thoughtfulness of Essex County Council for awarding us a grant to be able to do this. We have sent a letter of thanks to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Kevin Bentley, for their support."

Volunteers and staff connecting with our award-winning Community Interest Company have been distributing a two monthly supply for 66 families and winter essentials for 48 families with children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The food packs contain essential non-perishable items such as pasta, rice, cereals, pasta sauce, tea, coffee, juice, biscuits, longlife milk and much more. The winter essential packs include a blanket, a scarf, gloves, hats and hot water bottles.

Dream The Change, CIC was initially launched as a beacon of hope and support for families and carers from diverse backgrounds with special needs children. Our aim is to ensure that no family feels isolated or without access to the resources and understanding they need.

Jemal Allabayeva, Co-Founder said, “In view of the increase in the cost of living, we felt families connected with us would benefit from these food parcels and winter essentials. Prices are going up continually and it can be more costly caring for a child with special needs as they often require specific diets.”

P., one of the parents who received a food parcel for their family said, “It has been very helpful to receive this food parcel to help us cope with the rising costs of food. I would like to say a big thank you to Dream The Change CIC and to Essex County Council.”