A friend wants to support your fundraiser, then pauses when the donation page asks them to choose their bank. That pause does not mean they doubt your cause. The payment route may simply be unfamiliar.

New research published by the Fundraising Regulator on 16 July 2026 found that 52% of UK adults felt comfortable with online fundraising platforms, three percentage points lower than in its previous survey. Comfort was 31% among people aged 65 and over, although 68% of adults felt comfortable sponsoring an individual. The study surveyed 3,018 adults in May 2026. Read the research.

For fundraisers, the lesson is simple: explain the journey, leave the decision with the donor and never make hesitation awkward.

Start by listening

Ask what feels unclear. They may want to know where the money goes, why there is no card option or whether their bank is supported. Answer that question only.

Do not turn reassurance into persuasion. The current Code of Fundraising Practice says regulated fundraising must be open, honest and respectful. It also says fundraisers must not apply undue pressure, make unreasonably persistent approaches or ignore a request to end an interaction. Those are sensible standards for any personal fundraiser to follow. See the Code’s behaviour standards.

Explain the payment in one sentence

Try this:

On Wonderful.org, you choose your bank and approve the donation in your own mobile banking app or online banking, then the money is transferred directly to the charity.

That is an instant bank payment, sometimes called Pay by Bank. The Financial Conduct Authority explains that a regulated payment initiation service lets someone pay directly from their bank account with their consent, instead of using a debit or credit card. Read the FCA explanation.

Wonderful.org does not deduct a platform or processing fee and does not ask the donor to add a tip. The donation goes directly to the charity’s bank account. See how Wonderful.org works.

Keep one qualification clear: not every bank or payment type is supported. If that matters, check the current supported-banks information rather than guessing.

Let the donor stay in control

Send the direct link to your Wonderful.org fundraising page and let the donor complete the journey on their own device. Never ask to see their banking password, security code or full login details, and do not offer to take over their phone.

The FCA advises people to check that a payment provider is authorised or registered and not to share banking security details when they are unsure who they are dealing with. Wonderful Payments Ltd is identified on Wonderful.org as an FCA-authorised payment institution, with firm reference number 964289.

Use the Donate button on the page. Do not improvise by asking someone to send money to your personal bank account. The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator advise public fundraisers to use a reputable platform or payment transfer system and to avoid personal accounts, which can create suspicion and possible tax complications. Read the public fundraising guidance.

Make “not today” easy

If someone does not want to use an online bank payment, accept that calmly. If their bank is not supported, they can contact the charity to ask whether it offers another donation route. They can also help by sharing your page or encouraging you.

After a donation, a simple thank-you is enough. Do not immediately add another request. The Fundraising Regulator’s new research found a clear association between positive fundraising experiences and willingness to support charities again. A respectful ending is part of that experience.

A ready-to-use explanation

Copy and adapt these two sentences:

Donations on Wonderful.org are approved securely in your own banking app or online banking and go directly to the charity. There is no platform or processing fee and no tip request, but please only donate if the payment route feels right for you.

Before your next share, add that explanation beneath your fundraising link. Then leave space for the person to decide.

Further reading

• The public’s experience and expectations of charitable fundraising
• FCA: account information and payment initiation services
• Wonderful support: supported payment types
• Raising money for charity: public guidance

This article provides general information, not legal or financial advice. Payment availability and regulatory guidance can change, so check the linked sources if you are unsure.

Setting up a fundraising page can take minutes. Earning a donor's confidence takes a little more thought.

New guidance from the Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator, published in June 2026, is a timely reminder that members of the public are responsible for fundraising they organise. The good news is that the guidance is practical. Before you copy that link into a message or social post, give your page this five-minute check.

1. Name the charity clearly

Tell people which charity you are supporting and, where useful, include its registered charity number. If you are fundraising independently, describe your activity as "in aid of" the charity. That makes it clear that you are acting in a personal capacity and the charity is not responsible for organising your challenge.

On Wonderful.org, your fundraising page is already connected to a charity listed on the platform. Still, use your own opening lines to explain why you chose it. A clear personal connection is far more persuasive than a generic "please donate".

2. Say what donations will support

Be specific enough for a donor to understand the intended impact.

"I'm raising £750 for Northside Community Kitchen" is clear. "I'm raising £750 to help Northside Community Kitchen provide hot lunches during the school holidays" is clearer still.

If you want money to be used for a particular project, speak to the charity before you publish. Check that it can accept donations for that purpose and ask what should happen if circumstances change or more is raised than the project needs. A simple secondary purpose can prevent confusion later.

3. Add a target, a date and a backup plan

A target gives supporters something to rally around. An end date creates momentum. Neither needs to be dramatic, but both should be realistic.

If your fundraising depends on completing a challenge, tell donors what will happen if you cannot finish it. For example:

If injury or unsafe weather prevents me from completing the route on 12 September, I will rearrange it for the next suitable date. Donations will still go to the charity.

That one sentence answers a question before anyone needs to ask it.

4. Be open about money and expenses

Donors should know how their money reaches the charity and whether anything will be taken out first.

With Wonderful.org, donations are made by instant bank payment and transferred directly from the donor's bank account to the charity's bank account. Wonderful.org does not deduct a platform or processing fee and does not ask the donor to leave a tip.

If you plan to recover any personal costs from the money raised, say so before accepting donations. Better still, where you can, keep challenge expenses separate from charitable donations.

Use the Donate button on your Wonderful page rather than asking supporters to send money to a personal account. This keeps the route clear and gives donors a consistent, secure experience.

5. Read it once as a stranger

Imagine you know nothing about the fundraiser, the charity or the challenge. Can you answer these questions within 30 seconds?

• Who is fundraising?
• Which charity will receive the donations?
• What is the fundraiser doing, and when?
• Why does the cause matter to them?
• What will the money support?
• What happens if the plan changes?

If one answer is missing, add a sentence. You do not need a longer story; you need a clearer one.

Then keep the page alive

Sharing is not a one-off event. Wonderful fundraisers can post updates from their page dashboard. A training photo, a milestone, a change of plan or a quick thank-you gives you a natural reason to share the page again without repeating the same request.

Before you send your first message, open your page one last time on a phone. Check the image, the first paragraph and the Donate button. Five calm minutes now can make the whole fundraiser feel more trustworthy.

Ready? Review your fundraising page, make one useful improvement, then share it.

Further reading

• Raising money for charity: public guidance
• How to create a fundraising page on Wonderful.org
• Posting updates on your Wonderful fundraising page

This article offers general information, not legal advice. Rules and guidance can change, so check the linked sources if your appeal is unusual or restricted to a specific purpose.

Gift Aid lets an eligible charity claim an extra 25p for every £1 you donate, at no extra cost to you. A £20 donation could therefore become £25 for the charity.

The box is valuable, but it is not a general bonus to add to every payment. HMRC's detailed guidance was updated in June 2026. Here is the short version for donors.

Tick the box when all three statements are true

1. It is your own money

The donation must come from you. It can be paid by bank transfer, including an instant bank payment, but you cannot normally apply Gift Aid to money you have collected from friends, family or colleagues and then pass on as one payment.

2. You are making a genuine donation

You are not buying a ticket, entering a raffle, paying for goods or receiving a significant benefit in return. Those payments may still raise important funds, but they are not necessarily Gift Aid donations.

3. You have paid enough UK tax

In the same tax year, you must have paid at least as much UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax as all the charities you support will reclaim on your Gift Aid donations.

For a £20 Gift Aid donation, the charity can normally claim £5. If you make several Gift Aid donations during the tax year, consider the total tax reclaimed across all of them.

Leave it unticked in these common situations

• You collected £100 from colleagues and are paying it to the charity in one transaction.
• A parent or friend gave you money to donate on their behalf.
• The payment is for a raffle ticket, event admission, an auction purchase or another good or service.
• You are donating on behalf of a limited company. Company donations follow different tax rules.
• You have not paid enough UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax to cover the Gift Aid that charities would reclaim.

Leaving the box unticked does not reduce your original donation. It simply means the charity will not claim Gift Aid on that payment.

What about a message from the whole family?

The message does not decide who owns the money.

If you donate £20 of your own money and write "with love from the whole family", the donation can still qualify if the normal conditions are met. If another family member gave you the £20 to pass on, it is not your own donation and you should not apply Gift Aid in your name.

What happens on Wonderful.org?

When you make an eligible donation through Wonderful.org, you can complete a Gift Aid declaration during the donation journey. Wonderful passes the declaration data to the charity. The charity then makes its own claim directly from HMRC.

Your donation itself is made by instant bank payment and transferred directly to the charity's bank account. Wonderful.org does not deduct a platform or processing fee and does not ask you to add a tip.

If you are unsure

Do not guess. Leave Gift Aid unticked and check the current HMRC guidance, or ask the charity. This is especially important for sponsored events where money has been collected from other people, or where tickets, goods, benefits or challenge costs are involved.

Gift Aid works best when the declaration is accurate. One honest pause can save a charity extra administration later.

The next time you donate, ask two questions: is this my money, and have I paid enough UK tax? If both answers are yes and it is a genuine gift, the Gift Aid box may be right for you.

Further reading

• HMRC Chapter 3: Gift Aid
• Wonderful support: Gift Aid
• Wonderful support: tickets, events and raffles

This article is general information, not tax advice. Gift Aid eligibility depends on individual circumstances and current HMRC rules.

This October, Michael is taking on the Oxford Half Marathon, running 13.1 miles to raise funds for Edge Housing, a charity that transforms the lives of people experiencing homelessness or vulnerable housing situations in Oxfordshire. Growing up in Bicester and now working with the Kier Construction team on the HMP Bullingdon project, Michael feels a strong connection to the local community and the challenges many face in securing safe housing.

Michael’s motivation comes from seeing how homelessness affects individuals and families, and he wants to make a tangible difference. “I’ve been inspired by the incredible work Edge Housing does,” he says. “I know it’s going to be tough to run 13 miles, but if I can help even one person have a safer home and a brighter future, it’s worth every step.”

What Edge Housing Does

Edge Housing provides more than just accommodation. Their holistic, trauma-informed approach recognises that homelessness often comes with complex personal, social, and psychological challenges.

• Safe and supported accommodation: Edge Housing offers properties and supported housing placements where individuals can feel secure.
• Personalised support: Residents receive tailored guidance to address their specific needs, from counselling and mental health support to help navigating benefits or social services.
• Skills and development opportunities: Programmes help residents gain skills, training, and employment opportunities, paving the way for long-term independence.
• Community and advocacy: Edge Housing raises awareness about homelessness, advocates for policy change, and builds partnerships to help residents thrive.

By combining practical support with personal empowerment, Edge Housing helps individuals rebuild their lives with confidence, dignity, and independence.

Michael’s fundraising challenge

Michael has set a fundraising goal of £1,000 to contribute to Edge Housing’s work. Every pound raised will help the charity continue providing accommodation, support, and development opportunities to vulnerable people.

His training is underway, and he’s committed to completing the full 13.1 miles of the Oxford Half Marathon. For Michael, the effort is personal: “I hope my run will show people that even small actions can make a big difference in someone’s life,” he says.

Why your support matters

Homelessness can affect anyone, at any stage of life, and its causes are often complex. Charities like Edge Housing fill a vital gap, providing more than temporary shelter—they help people rebuild their lives. By supporting Michael’s challenge, you’re helping fund accommodation, vital support services, and programmes that give residents the tools and confidence they need to thrive independently.

Visit his fundraising page to contribute today.

On November 8th, Maggie is taking on a 10km swim to raise funds for Eat or Heat, a charity dedicated to supporting families who face the impossible choice between heating their homes and putting food on the table. Having previously completed a 4km swim, Maggie is now pushing herself to complete the full marathon distance—an inspiring feat that will take around four hours in the pool.

Eat or Heat, based in Walthamstow, has been helping the local community for nearly 14 years. They provide practical support such as food parcels, energy vouchers, and guidance to families struggling with rising living costs. Beyond immediate assistance, the charity works to raise awareness of fuel poverty and advocate for long-term solutions to help families live with dignity.

Maggie has set herself a fundraising target of £300, and all donations will go directly to the charity to help them continue their vital work. Every contribution helps ensure that no family has to choose between keeping warm and eating.

To support Maggie’s challenge and make a tangible difference for families in need, visit her fundraising page. Her dedication shows how one person’s determination can make a real impact on their community.

Eleven-year-old Max from Storrington is gearing up for a 13-mile walk/run to raise funds for Herons Dale Primary School in Shoreham-by-Sea. On Sunday, 19th October, Max will be making the journey from his home to his brother Zak’s school—a challenge he’s taking on with determination and a big heart.

Herons Dale is a special needs school supporting 145 pupils with a wide range of additional needs. The school provides tailored learning, therapies, and equipment to help children develop skills, gain confidence, and thrive. While core funding covers basic operations, extra support from fundraising allows the school to purchase sensory equipment, fund therapy sessions, and organise activities that make a real difference in children’s lives.

Max has set himself a £500 fundraising goal and has already raised over £200. He’s inviting friends, family, and the local community to back his challenge—whether by donating, cheering him on along the route, or joining him at the finish line. Every pound raised will go directly to The Friends of Herons Dale Primary School, a registered charity dedicated to enhancing the school’s resources and opportunities for pupils.

Max’s determination is inspiring—and his 13-mile challenge shows that even the youngest in our communities can make a big difference.

Support Max on his fundraising journey here.

Niemann-Pick UK (NPUK) is the only UK charity wholly dedicated to supporting families affected by Niemann-Pick diseases. These are rare, progressive genetic conditions (such as ASMD types A/B and NPC) with no known cure, and the impact touches every part of life.

What Niemann-Pick UK Does

• Care, support and advice
  From diagnosis onwards, NPUK offers emotional and practical help — for newly diagnosed patients, their families, carers and professionals.
• Information and awareness
  They publish guides, raise understanding of symptoms, and promote better knowledge in medical, social, and educational settings.
• Advocacy and research facilitation
  They encourage, fund, and partner in research into treatments and therapies. NPUK also campaigns to improve recognition, access to care, and support for people living with Niemann-Pick.
• Reducing isolation and building community
  Through events, conferences, publications, and peer connection, NPUK gives those affected a voice and a sense of community.

Why NPUK’s work matters

Because Niemann-Pick diseases are ultra-rare, many families feel alone, face diagnostic delays, or struggle to access specialist care. NPUK bridges those gaps. They support people whose journeys are often misunderstood and under-resourced, helping them access services, stay informed, and feel less isolated.

In recent times, NPUK has faced additional challenges: a malicious fire in September 2025 destroyed their central office, threatening their ability to deliver services.

If you’d like to support their work, here’s how:

• Donate, to help maintain essential services and rebuild infrastructure
• Fundraise — host a challenge, event, or campaign in support
• Raise awareness — share credible information about Niemann-Pick diseases
• Volunteer or contribute skills, especially in communications, advocacy, or community building

To learn more or get involved, visit NPUK’s website or see their profile on Wonderful.

Aid International Development is a grant-making, fundraising trust that exists to support other charities and local organisations around the world. Since its foundation in November 2000, AID has helped mobilise people and resources so that good work already being done can go further.

What They Do

• Organising fundraising events: AID runs treks, bike rides, marathons and other sponsored events globally. Participants raise money for charities of their choice through these challenges.
• Build / mission teams: Each year, AID sends small teams to work on the ground in places like India, Guatemala, Zambia, and Mozambique. They partner with local charities to help with construction, community support, or other projects.
• Grant-making & poor fund: After events, a portion of what is raised goes directly to the nominated charities, while another part goes into a “poor fund” which AID uses to finance various projects in regions with high need.

Where and who they help

AID works primarily through partners in countries including Zambia, India, Guatemala, Mozambique and the Philippines, as well as occasionally in Romania, Uganda and other locations.

They aim to relieve poverty and support vulnerable communities, often helping children, families, or local charities with limited resources.

Why Aid International Development matters

• Stretching every donation: By not running its own large projects, AID avoids duplicating infrastructures; instead, it supports local charities already doing good, giving them extra capacity and funding.
• Local knowledge and partnership: Because their Build Teams work with local organisations, the aid is more likely to meet real need, rather than what outsiders assume.
• Flexible and responsive: The “poor fund” means AID has some discretionary money to help where urgent or unexpected need arises, beyond what participants nominate.

If you want to make a difference, here’s how to help:

• Take part or create a fundraising event — sign up for one of their treks, marathons, or organise something local.
• Donate or nominate a charity when you join an event, so your effort supports causes you care about.
• Spread the word — helping more people to know about AID means more funds for deserving projects.

To find out more or get involved, visit aidinternational.org.uk or check out their Wonderful profile.

Long Covid isn’t just a lingering illness — for many, it’s a life turned upside down. Long Covid Support was founded and is run by people living with Long Covid and their carers. Their mission is to offer peer-led support, amplify lived experience, and drive meaningful change.

What they do

• Peer support & community connection: via online groups, webinars, and forums, people with Long Covid can connect, share insights, and support each other.
• Advocacy & policy change: as Secretariat to the APPG on Long Covid and involvement in UK health policy, they press for recognition, services, and rights.
• Research & lived experience leadership: they ensure those with Long Covid are partners in research — not just participants.
• Information & signposting: creating up-to-date resources to help people, carers, and professionals better understand and manage Long Covid.

Why support matters

Despite affecting hundreds of thousands, Long Covid is still poorly understood. Many people struggle to access specialist care, employment protections, or recognition in disability systems. Long Covid Support bridges the gap — but its work is only sustainable with backing.

If you’d like to help make a difference, you can donate, fundraise, raise awareness, or use your skills (e.g. communications, policy, research). Every contribution helps those whose lives are changed by this condition.

Visit longcovid.org or their Wonderful profile to get involved.

In a remarkable display of endurance and empathy, Michael is lacing up his running shoes to tackle three marathons across three countries in 2025, all to support Create Hope—a Bracknell-based charity dedicated to providing creative therapeutic services to children, young people, and families.

Michael's ambitious journey began on May 11th with the Exeter Marathon, where he crossed the finish line in 4 hours, 31 minutes, and 4 seconds. Despite rain during the second half, the cooler conditions proved favorable for the run. His next challenges await in Zagreb on October 12th and Florence on November 30th.

The inspiration behind this endeavour is deeply personal. Michael's wife, Julie, works with Create Hope, giving him firsthand insight into the transformative impact of their work. Each marathon represents a commitment to fund 26.2 therapy sessions—the distance of a marathon—with each session costing £45. His goal is to raise £1,179, and he's already achieved over 80% of this target.

Create Hope offers vital emotional support through services like play therapy, family counselling, and emotional education programs. Operating across Berkshire and Wiltshire, the charity focuses on building self-esteem, resilience, and stronger family relationships, especially for those facing emotional challenges.

Every donation contributes directly to providing these essential services to families in need. To support Michael's journey and help Create Hope continue their invaluable work, visit his fundraising page:

👉 Michael's Three Marathons for Create Hope

In an inspiring demonstration of commitment and resilience, a dedicated team of Leaving Care Personal Advisors and managers from Leicestershire is set to undertake the formidable National Three Peaks Challenge. Their mission: to raise £5,000 in support of care leavers aged 18–25 across the county.

Climbing for a Cause

Scheduled for May 30th and 31st, the challenge involves summiting the highest peaks in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike), and Wales (Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa) within a 24-hour period. This gruelling endeavour symbolises the uphill journey many care leavers face as they transition into adulthood.A Team United by Purpose

The team comprises individuals each bringing unique strengths to the expedition:

• Liam, the determined leader and navigator.
• Dani, a quiet yet resolute manager.
• Jit, representing the over-50s and serving as the media consultant.
• Nutan, the mindfulness coach and pace setter.
• Whitney, known for her infectious laughter and organisational prowess.
• Harriet, the voice of reason and fashion advisor.
• David, who, after battling serious health issues last year, is now embracing this challenge as a testament to recovery and determination.

Supporting Care Leavers

All funds raised will directly benefit care leavers, providing essential resources and opportunities to help them achieve their full potential. These young individuals, having been under local authority care, often face unique challenges as they step into independence. The support from this fundraiser aims to ease that transition.

How You Can Help

To support this commendable initiative and make a tangible difference in the lives of care leavers, visit their fundraising page:

👉 3 Peaks Challenge in 24 hours

In the face of adversity, some individuals choose to rise, not just for themselves but for others. Stu and Barnsey exemplify this spirit as they prepare for a formidable challenge: summiting Denali, North America's highest peak, to raise funds for the Adaptive Grand Slam (AGS) Foundation.

A Mission Rooted in Resilience

The AGS Foundation, established by injured veterans, empowers members of the disabled community through participation in expeditions and physical challenges. After sustaining life-changing injuries in Afghanistan, Martin Hewitt founded AGS to inspire and support fellow veterans and disabled individuals. Stu and Barnsey have previously collaborated with AGS, notably enduring the gruelling Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert. Now, they set their sights on Denali, confronting extreme cold and treacherous terrain to further the Foundation's mission.

The Denali Challenge

Standing at 6,200 meters, Denali presents a severe test of endurance and determination. The expedition demands climbers to carry all their gear, navigate crevasses, and withstand temperatures plummeting below minus 40 degrees Celsius. During a previous attempt in 2024, the team faced frostbite injuries, forcing a retreat. Undeterred, they return with renewed resolve, joined by Martin, fellow veteran and double leg amputee Steve, Rochelle, and Woody, aiming to reach the summit together.

Supporting the AGS Foundation

All donations from this expedition go directly to the AGS Foundation, ensuring that funds support their programs without covering expedition costs. Contributions aid in providing opportunities for disabled individuals to engage in transformative challenges, fostering confidence and community.

How You Can Help

To support Stu and Barnsey's Denali 2025 Expedition and contribute to the AGS Foundation's impactful work, visit their fundraising page:

👉 Denali 2025 Expedition Fundraiser

Your support can help more veterans and disabled individuals achieve the extraordinary.

Dementia can be an isolating and overwhelming experience—not just for those diagnosed, but also for their families and carers. On the Isle of Wight, Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight (ACIW) offers a compassionate and community-driven response, providing a welcoming space where no one has to face dementia alone.

A Safe Haven for Connection and Understanding

Since its inception in 2009, ACIW has been dedicated to supporting individuals affected by dementia. Their cafés, located across the island in towns such as Newport, Sandown, East Cowes, Totland, Cowes, Ryde, and more, serve as informal gatherings where attendees can relax, share experiences, and access valuable information. Each session features guest speakers discussing various dementia-related topics, fostering education and open dialogue.

Parklands: A Hub of Comprehensive Support

In April 2024, ACIW expanded its services with the opening of the Parklands Dementia Resource Centre in Cowes. This facility operates five days a week, offering a range of amenities including a community café, hairdressing services, and a Wellbeing Club. Parklands embodies ACIW's vision of creating a space where individuals can find respite, engage in activities, and feel a sense of belonging.

Striving for Daily Accessibility

ACIW is proud to be working towards establishing the UK's first Alzheimer Café open every day. Currently supporting over 200 individuals monthly, the charity aims to provide continuous access to support, ensuring that anyone affected by dementia can find assistance and companionship whenever needed. This initiative includes daily programs featuring gardening, art, music, and other therapeutic activities.

How You Can Support ACIW

The continued success and expansion of ACIW's services depend on community support. Donations contribute directly to maintaining and enhancing programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by dementia. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every contribution helps ACIW move closer to its goal of daily accessibility.

To learn more or get involved, visit alzheimercafeiow.org.uk or their Wonderful.org page.

In Blackpool and the surrounding areas of Wyre and Fylde, accessing affordable mental health support can be a significant challenge. Recognising this gap, Counselling In The Community (CITC) has emerged as a vital resource, offering low-cost, donation-based counselling services to individuals of all ages.

A Community-Driven Approach to Mental Health

Founded to address the scarcity of accessible mental health services, CITC operates on a self-referral basis, ensuring that anyone seeking help can access support without lengthy waiting periods or prohibitive costs. With counselling sessions starting from as little as £5, the charity provides a lifeline to those who might otherwise go without assistance.

Comprehensive Support for All Ages

CITC offers counselling services to adults, children, and young people, with specialised facilities to cater to diverse needs. Their dedicated Children and Young Persons Centre in Bispham features a sensory room, providing a supportive environment for younger clients. Additional counselling hubs are located in South Shore, Cleveleys, and within Fleetwood Hospital, ensuring broader community reach.

Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Services

In areas where mainstream services are often overstretched, CITC plays a crucial role in alleviating the burden on the NHS. Estimates suggest that the therapy provided by CITC would cost the NHS approximately £3,750 weekly if delivered through traditional channels. Despite this significant contribution, the charity operates without direct NHS funding, relying instead on donations and volunteer support.

Empowering Through Volunteering

The strength of CITC lies in its dedicated team of volunteers. With 82 volunteers and four trustees, the charity fosters a community-centric approach to mental health care. This model not only ensures the sustainability of services but also empowers individuals within the community to contribute to collective well-being.

How You Can Support CITC

As a small charity making a substantial impact, CITC welcomes support from individuals and organisations alike. Donations help maintain and expand their services, ensuring that more people can access the mental health support they need. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every contribution makes a difference.

To learn more or get involved, visit counsellinginthecommunity.com or their Wonderful.org page.

Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS) is an ultra-rare genetic condition, affecting approximately 1 in 225,000 to 300,000 individuals. Characterised by developmental delays, breathing anomalies, and other complex medical challenges, PTHS remains largely unfamiliar to many, including healthcare professionals. In the UK, Pitt Hopkins UK stands as a beacon of support and advocacy for those impacted by this condition.

A Community Built on Connection

Established as a registered charity in May 2016, Pitt Hopkins UK has its roots in a grassroots movement of parents seeking connection and information. Through online platforms like international Google support groups and social media, families began to find one another, sharing experiences and resources. From just 33 known cases in 2013, the charity has expanded its reach, now in contact with over 120 families across the UK and Ireland.

Empowering Families Through Information

One of the charity's core missions is to disseminate accurate and up-to-date information about PTHS. Their comprehensive website offers insights into the syndrome's symptoms, genetic factors, and diagnostic criteria. Additionally, they provide guidelines for managing associated medical concerns, such as breathing irregularities and autonomic dysfunction. By equipping families and healthcare providers with knowledge, Pitt Hopkins UK aims to facilitate earlier diagnoses and better care strategies.

Advocacy and Awareness

Beyond individual support, Pitt Hopkins UK is dedicated to raising public and professional awareness of PTHS. They organise events like Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome Awareness Day and produce informational films to educate broader audiences. Their efforts strive to ensure that PTHS is recognized and understood, paving the way for improved medical responses and societal support.

Looking Ahead: Research and Hope

While current efforts focus on support and awareness, Pitt Hopkins UK harbours aspirations to fund research into PTHS, particularly concerning the syndrome's impact on the autonomic nervous system and respiratory function. Such research holds the promise of unveiling new treatment avenues and enhancing quality of life for those affected.

How You Can Help

As a small charity, Pitt Hopkins UK relies heavily on donations and volunteer support. Contributions directly aid in maintaining their informational resources, organizing awareness events, and expanding their outreach to undiagnosed families. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or spreading the word, every effort counts in their mission to support the PTHS community.

To learn more or get involved, visit pitthopkins.org.uk. If you'd like to support Pitt Hopkins UK by either making a donation or fundraising for them, visit their page on Wonderful.