Benfleet Place Seasonal Lights

09/03/2026

04/03/2026

👏👏👏👏

20/02/2026

👏👏👏 Go Layla!

Layla, it's your Time To Shine! 🤩 As an autistic 6-year-old who loves all things pink, sparkles, and repetition - cheerleading was a perfect fit! 💫💜

Diagnosed through Caudwell Children, Layla joined Crystals Elite Academy in 2024 with no cheerleading experience. By 2025, she was already competing in Stoke-On-Trent and Worcester, and now she's aiming for Blackpool!

🗣️ Layla's mum says:

"The amazing thing about cheerleading is it’s a sport for everyone! It’s totally inclusive and has allowed Layla to be her authentic self.

Performing on stage makes her so happy and weekly practice gives her a sense of belonging and safety. I think more autistic girls should know that this sport out there for them.”

Thank you Layla for sharing your incredible talent with us! 😊

Email your child's talent to [email protected] or visit our website for more details 👉 bit.ly/4rmfw9S

11/02/2026

Meet Archie! 😊 Diagnosed with Chronic Lung Disease, PVL, GDD and Hypertension, he's just like other 3-year-olds who love Toy Story, swimming, and playing with his big brother. 💜

💬 "Before Caudwell Children funded Archie's specialised trike, his leg pain meant he had to sit in his pram and watch his brother riding by.

Archie is non-speaking, but the smile on his face when we get his trike out says it all - he's so happy! He can now build muscle with non-impact exercise, with his brother, out in the fresh air every day!

It's given Archie the freedom to join in like any other child, with the support he needs. It's been life-changing and I would urge any parent to apply." - Sophie, Archie's mum.

Find out if we could help to fund your child's specialised trike* 👉 https://www.caudwellchildren.com/families/equipment-and-sensory-packs/



*Eligibility criteria applies.

16/01/2026

From BBC Stoke & Staffordshire

"Barbie has released its first autistic barbie doll. https://bbc.in/49qyrKk

It has loose clothing to ensure less fabric-to-skin contact, wears ear defenders and has a fidget spinner and communication device.

Mandi Walters from Longton has autistic children and thinks it’s a step in the right direction."

This is only a snippet of what I said. You can hear more on BBC Sounds at

BBC Radio Stoke - Stuart George, 14/01/2026 https://share.google/IvwSptsUO8csNNZV4

I know they didn't get my name totally right, but nevermind. 😊

Caudwell Children

Longton Mum Mandie Walters says it's a step in the right direction.

15/01/2026

⭐️ TIME TO SHINE is back⭐️

Our Evie won this last year with her art work, so why not share your child's hidden talent with Caudwell Children?

is back! 🤩 We're celebrating and showcasing the amazing talents of disabled and neurodivergent children, aged 6-16! 🎤🎭

Does your child love to sing, draw, dance, or perform? Submit their entry for a chance to be featured and let their talent shine! 💜

💫 How to enter:

Send us a video or photo of your child’s performance or artwork by emailing [email protected]

The winner will be announced on 6th July 2026 and will get the chance to take centre stage - or have their talent showcased at one of our events. (But only if they wish to.) 🌟

Learn more and see our entry guidelines 👉 bit.ly/3Zert4Y

14/01/2026

Today I was invited on to BBC Stoke & Staffordshire radio to speak to Stuart George about the new Barbie Fashionista Doll that has come out, which represents an autistic girl.

It was a pleasure to meet both Stuart and producer Natalie in the studio.
Thank you for making me feel so welcome and relaxed.

Whilst there, it was also wonderful to meet Emily (pictured below) from Caudwell Children. It was really brilliant to have a good chat about our fabulous kids and the subject of the Barbie doll.

You can listen to it here >>>>
Stuart George - 14/01/2026 - BBC Sounds https://share.google/RcN1avNfCTvesP086

04/01/2026

Who has had more of the white stuff today?

03/01/2026

🎶 On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me....🎶

- 10 numb toes
- 1 runny nose
- approx 50 outdoor Christmas light decorations put away for another year.
(And that's only half of them)
- 2 aching legs
- dozens of tangled cables
- 2 frazzled brains

- And an anonymous donation to our fundraising page, that has now taken us over the £800 mark. 🥳

(Okay, I totally lost it with the counting.....but I'm so cold 🥶)

Who ever you are, THANK YOU very much for your kind donation to Caudwell Children. 💜

Fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/benfleetplacelights?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

03/01/2026