Question 1

How do I/my child join CP Teens UK?

Accepted Answer

There is no membership system or process at CP Teens UK - you simply just sign up to each event, initiative or activity you wish to attend/participate in. You can do this on the Events (https://www.cpteensuk.org/events)page. Think of it as similar to 'Pay As You Go', although the vast majority of our events, initiatives & activities are either free or partially funded.

Question 2

Do you operate UK wide?

Accepted Answer

We operate in England, Scotland & Wales. 
CP Teens UK is open to all youngsters & adults with Cerebral Palsy and physical disabilities in these three nations. 
Due to our small, family-run infrastructure and our reliance on volunteers, we can't always put on 'in-person' events, initiatives & activities on everywhere where there is a need and demand. We try our very best to deliver events, initiatives & activities wherever we can. We are based in Chesterfield, North Derbyshire. This does mean that due to our infrastructure, the majority of our events, initiatives & activities take place in the North Midlands and South Yorkshire. We do try and deliver in London whenever resources allow.

However, all of our online services & online community are available wherever you are in England, Scotland or Wales, and our Annual Ball takes place in the centre of England to give people roughly the same distance to travel whether they are in the south, north, east or west!

Question 3

What events, initiatives, activities etc. do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Everything we deliver can be found on the Events (www.cpteensuk.org/events)page.

All upcoming services, events, initiatives and activities are put onto the Events page as soon as they are released.

All of our services, events, initiatives and activities are about providing social opportunities & outlets, as well as improving self-confidence, self-esteem, and providing empowerment.

Due to our small, volunteer-led infrastructure there will be peaks & troughs in terms of how many events, initiatives and activities are on offer. Please do keep checking back regularly.

You do not need to get in contact with us before you register for an event, initiative, activity etc., unless you have a specific question that isn't answered by reading the information. Please make sure you read the information for the event, initiative or activity that you're interested in.

Whether you/your child have never attended a CP Teens UK event, initiative or activity before, or if you/your child have attended many times before, please register for your chosen event, initiative or activity via the relevant registration form by following from the Events page.

Question 4

I can't find a CP Teens UK event, initiative or activity geographically close to me - why is this?

Accepted Answer

Due to our small, family-run infrastructure and our reliance on volunteers, we can't always put on 'in-person' events, initiatives & activities on everywhere where there is a need and demand. We try our very best to deliver events, initiatives & activities wherever we can.

We are based in Chesterfield, North Derbyshire. This does mean that due to our infrastructure, the majority of our events, initiatives & activities take place in the North Midlands and South Yorkshire. We do try and deliver in London whenever resources allow.

All upcoming services, events, initiatives and activities are put onto the Events (www.cpteensuk.org/events)page as soon as they are released, and due to our small, volunteer-led infrastructure there will be peaks & troughs in terms of how many events, initiatives and activities are on offer.

Please do not contact us to ask what is on locally to you as everything we are delivering is on the Events page. Please check back regularly too for new events, initiatives and activities.
Don't forget - all of our online services & online community are available wherever you are in England, Scotland or Wales, and our Annual Ball takes place in the centre of England to give people roughly the same distance to travel whether they are in the south, north, east or west!

Question 5

Can my child/I join your online services from outside of the UK?

Accepted Answer

We deliver in England, Scotland & Wales as outlined under our registration with the UK Government Charity Commission & our insurance policy.
This includes our online events, activities & initiatives. You cannot join us online if you are outside of England, Scotland & Wales.
We are unable to make any allowances. Please do not attempt to join our online services if you are not physically in England, Scotland or Wales - our virtual online meeting platform shows us your location, so we will not allow entry to anyone who is located elsewhere. We are sorry for any disappointment caused.

Question 6

Are you a registered charity?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CP Teens UK is registered charity no. 1172105.

Question 7

Do you award grants to individuals?

Accepted Answer

No, sorry. We exist to facilitate opportunities and social outlets to youngsters & adults with Cerebral Palsy and physical disabilities, and it is not in our governing document to allow financial awards & grants to individuals. We act for the benefit of people with Cerebral Palsy and physical disabilities as a whole.

Question 8

I'd like to make a donation to CP Teens UK - how can I do this?

Accepted Answer

Thank you very much for choosing to give a donation to CP Teens UK! We are a small charity that runs entirely on volunteers, fundraising and donations, so by donating to CP Teens UK you really are making a difference.

You can donate to CP Teens UK by clicking on the 'Donate' button at the top of our website. You can donate any amount between £1-£500. You can also choose a one-off donation, a weekly donation, or a monthly donation.

Please include in your donation message your name/your organisation's name and type of donation, e.g. personal donation, collection, non-uniform day etc.

If you do not wish to donate online, the following options are available. Please carefully follow the instructions:

1. BY CHEQUE
We can accept donations via cheque sent to:

CP Teens UK
Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre
Saltergate
Chesterfield
S40 1UT

Please make all cheques payable to CP TEENS UK. All cheques must be sent with a short covering letter outlining the following:

- Full name/company name/business name of the donor
- Type of donation (e.g. fundraiser, collection, non-uniform day etc.)
- Contact details so that we can give you our heartfelt thanks and the 
   opportunity to feature your generosity on our website and social media
2. BY BACS
We can accept donations via BACS. Please email office@cpteensuk.org (office@cpteensuk.org)outlining the following:

- Full name/company name/business name of the donor
- Type of donation (e.g. fundraiser, collection, non-uniform day etc.)
- Donation amount
- Contact details so that we can give you our heartfelt thanks and the 
   opportunity to feature your generosity on our website and social media

Someone will then be in touch with the BACS details.
In line with the Charity Commission's guidance, all donations given to CP Teens UK are made to facilitate the charity's objectives and purposes. CP Teens UK will not accept any donations that are to fund anything outside of our objectives and purposes. Additionally, CP Teens UK will not accept any donations that have features or conditions that may undermine the charity’s independence. For example, if the donation comes with a condition that would require Trustees to agree key decisions with the donor.

Question 9

I'd like to fundraise for CP Teens UK - how do I do this?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, thank you very much for choosing CP Teens UK! We are a small charity that runs entirely on volunteers, fundraising and donations, so by choosing CP Teens UK you really are making a difference.

If you are doing a sponsored challenge or activity (either as an individual, or as a group such as a school or social club) we kindly ask you to use JustGiving and follow the steps below:

1. Go to: https://www.justgiving.com/cpteensuk
(https://www.justgiving.com/cpteensuk)
2. Click 'Fundraise for us'
3. Create your personal fundraising page especially for your specific challenge or activity
4. Contact us at office@cpteensuk.org (office@cpteensuk.org)to let us know that you have setup the page and all about your challenge or activity. This enables us to ensure we know you are fundraising for us and, importantly, provide you with recognition and our heartfelt thanks

We kindly ask you to tell people who are sponsoring you not to donate/sponsor on the main CP Teens UK JustGiving page. They need to sponsor/donate on your personal fundraising page for your specific challenge or activity. This is because sponsorship that is paid via the main page is then not connected to you and your challenge or activity. It then becomes very difficult for us to collate your sponsorship and total.

We do not use any other platform other than JustGiving to fundraise online, so please do not use other platforms if you choose CP Teens UK.

If you do not use JustGiving, we can accept money raised via fundraising challenges and activities in the following ways:

1. BACS
2. Cheque

We ask that before you start fundraising for us that you get in touch at office@cpteensuk.org (office@cpteensuk.org)with the following information:

1. Your name/group name
2. Your chosen challenge or activity
3. When it is taking place
4. How you will fundraise (e.g. sponsorship, cake sales, tickets etc.)
5. How you will pay over the money raised (i.e. BACS or cheque)

Someone will then be in touch.

Please note: in line with our Fundraising Policy, there are some challenges and activities that we cannot associate ourselves with, and therefore not accept money from. For example, fundraising that involves politics, tobacco, pornography, weaponry & similar activities, or has ethical implications such as animal welfare and human rights.

If you are a business or company interested in fundraising for us for a period of time, please see FAQ 'We're a business or company that want to fundraise for a charity for a period of time -  can we choose CP Teens UK?'

Question 10

We're a business or company that want to fundraise for a charity for a period of time -  can we choose CP Teens UK?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, thank you very much for considering CP Teens UK to fundraise over a set period for! We are a small charity that runs entirely on volunteers, fundraising and donations, so by choosing CP Teens UK you really are making a difference.

If you are doing a one-off sponsored challenge or activity, please see the FAQ 'I'd like to fundraise for CP Teens UK - how do I do this?'

Before you choose CP Teens UK as your business's or company's chosen charity, we kindly ask you to get in touch with the Board of Trustees either by letter or email:

FAO - The Board of Trustees
CP Teens UK
Northern Gateway
Saltergate
Chesterfield
S40 1UT

office@cpteensuk.org (office@cpteensuk.org)

Please put in writing to the Trustees the following:

1. Your business or company's name, and registration number
2. Your registered business or company's address
3. The full name and contact details of the individual we will be corresponding with in regards to CP Teens UK being your chosen charity
4. How you plan to fundraise for us (i.e. the activities, challenges, initiatives etc.)
5. How much you aim to raise and how this will be paid over (i.e. in one amount, or instalments, when and how - cheque or BACS)
6. The time period you will be raising money for CP Teens UK for (e.g. 1-year from 01/01/2024 until 31/12/2024)
7. How you will use the CP Teens UK logo and branding (if applicable)
8. Any expenses connected to CP Teens UK being your chosen charity that you would want CP Teens UK to cover (if applicable)
The Board of Trustees will then be in touch with approval, or any changes that are required in order for CP Teens UK to be able to accept.

Please note: in line with our Fundraising Policy, there are some business and companies, as well as, some challenges and activities that we cannot associate ourselves with, and therefore not accept partnership with or money from. For example, businesses, companies, or fundraising that involves politics, tobacco, pornography, weaponry & similar activities, or have ethical implications such as animal welfare and human rights.

Question 11

I am a teacher who has a student with Cerebral Palsy or a physical disability - can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can help regarding supporting your student to network with other people with Cerebral Palsy/physical disabilities, helping them feel less alone in their struggles and encouraging them to attend & participate in our events, initiatives and activities.

However, we cannot support and help with their education, accessing the curriculum etc. Please contact your SENCO for any matters, queries or concerns within the curriculum and school environment.

Question 12

I am a social worker - can you assist with a young person/adult with Cerebral Palsy/physical disability on my caseload?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can help regarding supporting the young person/adult to network with other people with Cerebral Palsy/physical disabilities, helping them feel less alone in their struggles and encouraging them to attend & participate in our events, initiatives and activities.

However, we cannot support outside of this scope. We are not qualified to give any professional advice in any area, and we exist to predominately provide social outlets, recreation and opportunities.

Question 13

Can you give professional advice on Cerebral Palsy and physical disability?

Accepted Answer

No, sorry. Although we can talk from our own personal experiences of living with and alongside disability, as well as connecting people with others who have similar challenges, we are not qualified to give any professional advice in any area. We exist to predominately provide social outlets, recreation and opportunities.

This includes, but is not limited to:

- Education
- Health
- Equipment
- Careers
- Employing care staff
- Welfare benefits
- Higher education
- Housing and accommodation
- Travel

Question 14

My child is under-18 - can they attend CP Teens UK events, initiatives and activities alone?

Accepted Answer

No, sorry. Whilst we recognise that a CP Teens UK event, initiative or activity might seem like a good, 'safe space' for your child to have independent time, unfortunately our policies and insurance do not allow us to have under-18s without a parent/guardian/carer.

All under-18s must attend with a parent/guardian, or a PA/carer who is over-18.

Question 15

My child is/I am over-18, but they/I have support needs - can they/I attend CP Teens UK events, initiatives and activities alone?

Accepted Answer

No, sorry. Due to our small, volunteer-led infrastructure, we cannot provide support or care to any service users. Whilst we are more than happy to help with minimal tasks, such as carrying bags, supporting you/your child to order food etc., we cannot support anything that involves personal care and/or specific training, e.g. toileting, hoisting, medication, feeding, epilepsy etc.

If you/your child require help with personal care or anything that requires specific training you/they must attend with a parent, carer or PA.

Question 16

Do you loan out equipment?

Accepted Answer

No, sorry.

As CP Teens UK exists to provide and facilitate social opportunities, events and outlets, we do not own any equipment.

Question 17

Can you assist with mental health issues that are linked to physical disability?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we are not qualified to offer or provide mental health support.

Your/your child's GP should be your first point of call to access mental health support, or in a crisis 111 or Samaritans, or 999 if you feel that your/your child's life is in immediate danger.

However, we do find that connecting and engaging with people who have similar challenges, and joining in and attending CP Teens UK's events, initiatives and activities can greatly improve and boost young people's mental health and greatly reduce their sense of isolation and being alone.

Question 18

My child does not/I do not have a physical disability - can they/I get involved with CP Teens UK?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, no. Whilst we are inclusive of all disabilities & needs, you/your child must predominantly have a physical disability to be able to access our services.

Question 19

I would like to make a complaint - how do I do this?

Accepted Answer

If you have a complaint, please contact the Trustees in writing via email: office@cpteensuk.org. (office@cpteensuk.org.)

Please include:

1. Your full name 
2. Your address
3. The full name of the service user your complaint relates to (if applicable)
4. Your relationship to the service user (if applicable)
5. The event/initiative your complaint relates to (if applicable)

The Trustees will respond to all initial complaints within 10 working days wherever possible.

In instances where this is not possible, a office volunteer will respond to you outlining why it is not possible and when to expect a response.

Question 20

I am a student - can CP Teens UK help with my research?

Accepted Answer

Whilst we massively value the potential benefits of research on the lives of people with Cerebral Palsy and physical disabilities, due to the sheer number of research requests we get per month, we have had to put a selection system into place.

On the last Friday of every month, all research requests that have come in from the 1st of the month will be put forward for consideration. We will carefully select the research that will be of the most benefit to our service users. If you don't hear back from us then unfortunately your research has not been selected.

We know that this will be frustrating for students, but we have to put our service users and their families first, and they were becoming unhappy with the number of participation requests.

Question 21

Can CP Teens UK share initiatives, events etc. for other organisations or individuals?

Accepted Answer

Whilst we understand the value of sharing initiatives & events of other organisations/individuals that are relevant to our service users & their families, unfortunately we have a strict policy that we only share initiatives & events that CP Teens UK deliver or are partnered with.

This is due to safeguarding & insurance reasons. Please do not contact CP Teens UK asking for your own initiative/event to be shared, distributed or advertised.

Question 22

Do you have a safeguarding policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely.

CP Teens UK is committed to the safeguarding of children & vulnerable adults. All of our Trustees and volunteer staff members are fully trained in the safeguarding of children and adults.

All Trustees and volunteer staff members are Enhanced DBS checked.

FAQs