Data shows 73% of families (survey ’24) felt unsupported after an ULD diagnosis or at birth when learning their child had an ULD. (19-27 of every 100,000 UK babies born each year have an ULD). Children with an ULD rarely get to meet someone that looks like them, who does not stare, ask awkward questions. Reach events give families the chance to join a local support network: “Finding Reach has been actually life changing for me” and help young people spend time with peers “who just get it”.

Reach resources a support network and community for those with ULD and their families, enabling interaction at the earliest opportunity and connection for life. ALL 18 of our branches are run by volunteer Branch Coordinators (BCs) all with lived experience of ULD. They are a lynchpin for Reach, supporting new parents and adult members, organising local meet ups two or three times a year for families with ULD children. “I usually hide my hand, here I don’t have to & it feels more than amazing.”