Making memories, Building Confidence, Supporting Families

When a child faces critical illness or complex disability, the whole family is affected. Forward Facing provides them with support, connection and the chance to make lasting memories.

Who we are

Forward Facing is a Sussex-based charity that supports families whose children are living with life-limiting conditions, complex disabilities or who have experienced bereavement or trauma.

We help families who often feel isolated find joy, strength and connection through the challenges they face. Our approach focuses on creating lasting memories through fun, accessible events, alongside emotional wellbeing and practical help.

All of our services support the whole family — not only the child at the centre of the illness but also parents, siblings, grandparents and carers.

"Forward Facing recognises the difficulties and challenges both parents and children face daily, and makes you feel part of a family where you can share your problems and know you aren’t the only ones going through such difficulties." – Emma, Parent

A young girl in a wheelchair wearing colorful clown costume and face paint, smiling with an adult woman beside her at a crowded event.

What we do

We create free, inclusive opportunities for families to spend meaningful time together, away from the pressures of illness, disability or grief. Our programmes include:

Memory Making Experiences –theatre & circus trips, seasonal parties, animal encounter days, accessible sports sessions, pamper days and photoshoots.
Support & Respite – counselling, play and animal therapy, crisis packages, food hampers and vouchers.
Carer & Parent Events – dedicated activities that give parents and carers much-needed time away from their daily struggles, offering space to relax and recharge.
Support Networks – opportunities for families to connect with others who understand, helping reduce isolation and build friendships.

"The whole experience is a fun day which allowed us to be together and enjoy each other’s company without any worries about the medical needs of our child." – Joy, Parent

A young girl with glasses and a black cap petting a light brown donkey at a farm.

Why we do it

Caring for a child with a life-limiting condition, disability or serious illness can be overwhelming. Families often face social isolation, financial strain, and a daily toll on their mental and physical health. Many parents are unable to work due to caring responsibilities, while siblings can miss out on opportunities as family resources are stretched.

92% of families we support struggle to access activities due to their child’s complex needs.
94% of parents and carers experience stress, anxiety, depression or PTSD.
98% rarely or never get time away for themselves.

Forward Facing offers vital support, helping to ease isolation and trauma with moments of joy, care, and connection. For the families we serve, these experiences are far more than a day out — they are a chance to restore hope, to create cherished memories, and to find renewed strength as a family.

"Forward Facing gave us hope when feeling lost and hopeless." – Leslie, Parent

A makeup artist applying makeup to a woman in a salon or studio setting.

How we do it

Everything we do is made possible thanks to the generosity of funders, volunteers, community partners and individuals who work alongside us.

Local and national funders provide essential financial backing for projects and core costs, while local businesses and organisations contribute through sponsorship, discounts and donations in kind.

Individuals support us through fundraising and regular donations. Many of our volunteers — including Ambassadors and Trustees who first came to us as Forward Facing families — now give their time and energy, helping to welcome and connect with new families

Together, this network of support enables us to deliver the events and services that families tell us are vital to their emotional wellbeing, their ability to cope, and their sense of connection.

“Candice and her team are some of the kindest people we've ever known. They are extremely caring and giving. They provide many opportunities for us as a family to be included. To be needed. To feel part of society being able to access things we could normally access with like-minded people.” - Selina, Parent