General information on what the Foundation do.
Conductive Education teaches children and adults with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, dyspraxia, stroke, head injury, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis how to overcome their movement difficulties to lead more independent and fulfilled lives. We train students to degree level to produce the next generation of Conductors, run Carers groups, workshops both professional and non professional, and run a full range of conditioned sessions for adults and school services for children 0 – 11.

What would the Foundation expect from us?
We would like the opportunity to work with you to maximise the potential of the partnership to the benefit of both our organisations. Ideally, to decide together what the individual expectations are - although we are very conscious of commitment due to restraints of the “day job”.

Does the charity require any fundraising and how much would a reasonable amount be for us to raise in a year?
We would not set you a target – apart from it being exceptionally rude, we know how difficult it is to raise funds and commit time when you have a day job. We have to raise in excess of £500,000 each year to keep the current services going. We would be truly grateful of any funds raised.

How would our money be spent?
Any money raised would be used to provide core funding including all services and carers workshops and training students. If you prefer the money could be restricted to fund either equipment or a specific project.

Would we be able to offer hands on assistance, what would this involve and what level of commitment? Would the on-hands work take place during or outside normal working hours?

We are limited as to how much we can do with the children – their day revolves around strict routine of Conductive Education and the National Curriculum although there are opportunities to do a “challenge” like organise a day trip to the Sealife Centre or an end of term party during the day. The adults are different - you could use contacts to obtain tickets for nights out or organise a day out. We also look for help with volunteering at events, such as our 10k race – either running and raising funds as an individual or working with us behind the scenes – like manning the water station. We have team building challenges like painting and gardening and welcome individual skill share to help us improve our “business”.

Do you have any requirements for old computers/pool tables etc?
We are always grateful for any computer equipment as there is always a shortage of machines throughout the Foundation. We are probably not a charity who could use equipment like a pool table for the participants to use, but if you did have something we could use as a fundraiser at an event then we would again be very grateful of anything donated.

Can we visit?
Yes! We love you to come and see how your support really makes a difference. We welcome groups of up to 5 people to come to the Foundation to learn about the work and sit in on sessions in both the school groups and adult rehabilitation. We don’t mind how often you come back. We‘re sometimes asked if our participants mind visitors, the answer is definitely no.

Who are the charities current supporters?
* Zurich Insurance – they sponsor the Parent & Child programme at £25,000 a year. Originally a 3 year partnership – extended for a further 2 years. Their support has enabled us to provide a free service for 0-3 year olds.

* Hilton in the Community Foundation – they sponsored the “Learning to Live your Life” project at the end of 2005 for 12 months – following the report and our re-application they have agreed to fund again for a further 12 months as a “one-off”

* Npower help out now and again – paid for emergency repairs to the roof on the academic building.

* Solihull St Alphage rotary have chosen to support us again this year – the cycle4charity event is always popular.

* We have support from Trusts on an annual basis.

We have very little time as a company to do anything – how could we help?
Anything you do would help. A collecting tin in your reception area, a night out at an event, displaying posters on what we do, even just telling friends and family about us to spread the word.