As of 31st March 2022, Shades of Different has been awarded charity status and is now a Charity Incorporated Organisation with an official charity number (1198481). We are of course delighted to be finally recognised as a charity, as this means we can do so much more to change and improve the lives of differently able children like Micaela and really give them the voice they deserve.
The aim is to provide vital therapies such as sensory integration occupational therapy, speech therapy and music therapy in the community to compensate for the gaps in the system and general lack of funding within the Dorset area. We hope to be able to expand to other parts of the UK in time, and possibly eventually to be able to have an international outreach!
Our live blog remains international and is a celebration of life and overcoming any obstacles in time with a positive mindset. Our website will be amended with new information in the coming weeks. This is to be a lasting legacy for Micaela and differently able children in the future to really give them the inclusion, better role models and opportunities they deserve and more. Please join us in raising a glass to this phenomenal ground-breaking achievement we have fought so long and hard for and if you are able to donate whatever amount this will make a difference to these children and their future.
Thank you Erika Petrie CEO, Joanna Heath Secretary, Manuela Curtis Treasurer
This is absolutely wonderful and will benefit many children and their families. Well done to all that fought tirelessly to make this happen. I wish you the strength and wisdom to continue helping others and making a difference.
Thank you so much for your valuable comments and kindness Charlotte…your support is very much appreciated and valued. It hasn’t been easy, but it is all so very worth it now and this is something I do have power over in terms of Micaela’s future and legacy, as well as that of other children like her. Thank you also for your best wishes…as a charity we will certainly try our very best to see through all our plans for these children’s voices to be heard!