11:12, 03 October 2024
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
World Cerebral Palsy Day is approaching on the 6th October, and UP Movement has plans to launch a photo campaign outside the Houses of Parliament.
In order to raise needed awareness and urge the government to address the ongoing lack of support for individuals with cerebral palsy throughout their lives, and the broader community to acknowledge these long-term needs and take significant action.
This event will feature Netflix's Sex Education actor, Keron Day, as well as drag performer Wayne Allingham, to highlight the insufficient support available to individuals with CP throughout their lives.
Statistics reveal that 90% of children with cerebral palsy transition to adulthood, often facing a lack of support after age 18. With approximately 130,000 adults in the UK living with CP, this group represents the largest segment of individuals with a physical lifelong disability.
The images feature 17 individuals with CP, including notable figures like Drag Queen ‘Sugar Cube’ and actor Wayne Allingham, arranged in age order to emphasise their ongoing challenges.
Nick Jacobsen, who featured in the image, expressed the importance of raising awareness: “As a proud ambassador of UP Movement, it is an honour to be part of the Lifelong Campaign, demonstrating an important aspect of cerebral palsy during adulthood with regards to challenges in healthcare and lack of support. This is an opportunity to show people that we as a community need our voices to be heard, as well as helping society to see our abilities, not our disabilities.”
UP Movement's objectives align with the official CP Charter, focusing on lifelong support through initiatives such as annual medical reviews, specialist rehabilitation pathways, and training for healthcare professionals to enhance their understanding of CP.
Emma Livingstone, the charity's Founder and CEO, reiterated the need for continuous support for adults with CP and called for collective action to improve services and research on the condition's long-term effects.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
UP Movement. This charity is dedicated to improving the lives of adults with cerebral palsy by advocating for better healthcare and support services. They aim to raise awareness of the lifelong challenges faced by individuals with CP and work towards systemic change. Find out more.
The Cerebral Palsy Foundation. This charity is dedicated to funding research and providing educational resources about cerebral palsy. Learn more here.
Scope. This is a disability equality charity that supports people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities by offering a range of services, including advice. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health And Wellbeing, Partnerships For The Goals.
