How React Can Help

Generally React will only consider requests that are of a basic, essential need. However, requests that do not fall into this bracket may still be considered provided they benefit the child's quality of life in some way.

Here are some examples of how we may help:

Specialist Equipment

In addressing the needs of children with severe medical conditions it is usual for families to require specialist or medical equipment. This is invariably 'medical-grade', adapted or manufactured to order and the cost can be extremely high.

Examples of recently awarded specialist equipment include:

  • Mobility Equipment - wheelchairs, buggies, hoists, car seats etc...
  • Specialist Furniture - postural chairs, adjustable beds etc...
  • Sensory/ Education Items - fibre optics, communication aids, toys etc...
  • Medical Equipment - monitors, support wear, spa baths etc...


Domestic Equipment

At React we understand the urgency and importance of domestic equipment in the care of a terminally ill child. To our families it is as vital to their child's care as specialist and educational equipment.

Examples of recently awarded domestic equipment include:

  • Kitchen Appliances - washing machines, fridge freezers, cookers etc...
  • Furniture - beds, sofas, curtains, storage etc...
  • Clothing & Bedding - replacing soiled or outgrown clothes, sheets etc...
  • Educational/entertainment - computers, televisions, toys etc...
  • Other - carpets, pushchairs, cots, car seats etc...


Travel & subsistence expenses

Caring for a sick child inevitably involves frequent hospital visits and in many cases, hospice stays. This can mean travelling extremely long distances at very short notice, sometimes on a daily basis. At React we recognise the emotional, physical and financial strain this places on a family and as such, aim to alleviate some of these pressures by providing essential travel and subsistence expenses.


Respite breaks

Caring for a child with major disabilities or special care needs can be exhausting and seemingly relentless. Many families find that their lives revolve around treatment and where a child's health is rapidly deteriorating, there can be seemingly little for families to look forward to. To address these issues React will consider requests for the following...

  • React Holiday - React can provide week long breaks at one of our nine holiday caravans situated throughout the UK. To find out more about these breaks visit our 'apply for a holiday' page
  • Other holidays - holidays elsewhere may also be considered if sufficient reason is given as to why a React mobile home would be unsuitable
  • Day trips - week long breaks may not be suitable for some children and in these circumstances, React may consider requests for shorter breaks or day trips


End of life support

React aims to provide comfort and dignity to a child in life and we believe this comfort and dignity should be extended through to laying a child to rest. As such, React will consider requests for funeral expenses and memorial headstones.


To read about some of the children assisted by React please visit our 'In the Press' page.