Cerebral Palsy Scotland secures funding to safeguard lifeline baby support group

Glasgow-based charity Cerebral Palsy Scotland has secured a £10,000 grant from the HFD Charitable Foundation, helping to ensure the continuation of its Baby Buds group – a vital network providing therapy and emotional support to parents and carers of children with cerebral palsy. 

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Established in 2018 at the charity’s centre in Port Dundas, Baby Buds offers expert guidance from therapists in a safe and welcoming environment. Meeting fortnightly, the group helps families connect and share experiences, as well as providing tailored support during the critical early stages of their child’s development. 

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Funding from the HFD Charitable Foundation will enable Cerebral Palsy Scotland to continue delivering the Baby Buds group and expand its reach to support more families throughout the country.  

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Traditional baby groups can often feel isolating for carers of children with cerebral palsy, who face unique challenges in raising a child with this lifelong condition. Baby Buds fosters a relaxed atmosphere, incorporating messy play, sensory discovery, songs, and stories – all aimed at helping children develop movement skills that facilitate play, exploration, and communication. 

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Mum Lynne Forrest and her son Liam (aged two and a half) are just one of the families benefitting from regular trips to Baby Buds. Liam’s cerebral palsy was caused by a stroke he had during birth, and it affects the right side of his body. For day-to-day things like eating, drinking and playing with toys, he mainly uses his left hand, but he can’t use his right side in the same way.  

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Lynne said: “Liam isn’t talking at the moment, but his personality still shines through in everything he does. He’s really happy, really sociable; he’s a really good boy in every sense. Baby Buds is great for Liam, and the more therapy we get for him, the better. I take time off work so we can come along.

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“The group setting works really well for him, as sometimes Liam can find it hard to engage with therapists at home. At Baby Buds, there are physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists all there in the room. Plus there are songs, fun activities and other children to play with. 

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“The therapists at Cerebral Palsy Scotland are fantastic - every single one I’ve met has been amazing. They’re experts who have the knowledge of Liam’s diagnosis, and it’s great to be able to ask them questions and get their feedback. They show you different things to try with him that I wouldn’t necessarily think about doing at home. So he’s stretching, moving all his muscles, but at the same time enjoying the songs and activities. I don’t think he realises we’re in a therapy group, because it’s fun for him! If we didn’t go to the sessions, I don’t think his progress would've been as quick as it has been, because he’s so engaged when he’s there. 

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“The group has also been a great help for me. When we first got Liam’s diagnosis I felt devastated, but coming to Baby Buds really helped. At the beginning, I was worried I would find the group upsetting, but it was the exact opposite, it’s such a positive experience. I don’t know any other parent in the same position as me, apart from the parents at the group. So, even though every child with cerebral palsy is different, it’s good to have that common ground with the other parents - it feels like you’re in the same boat. We always walk out of the centre feeling like we’ve had a great morning.” 

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Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition caused by brain damage during pregnancy or childbirth, affecting individuals in various ways and presenting lifelong challenges. However, early interventions such as therapy can significantly improve outcomes for children. 

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Isla Campbell Lupton, head of fundraising and communications at Cerebral Palsy Scotland, said: “Our Baby Buds sessions are the only ones available to parents in Scotland, and the support from the HFD Charitable Foundation has been essential in securing their future. The specialist therapies we offer are not currently available elsewhere, which makes this work a core part of our mission. Many children aren’t diagnosed until they’re around two years old, so we invite anyone who has concerns about their child’s motor development to join us.”

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Lauren McKenzie, ambassador for the HFD Charitable Foundation, added: “The work of Cerebral Palsy Scotland is making a significant difference for families affected by cerebral palsy. The Baby Buds group creates a nurturing space where children can progress at their own pace, and families have the opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges. The HFD Charitable Foundation was established to support causes like this, which positively impact the communities they serve.”