Meet an Embrace Family - Anaye and Vongai
Posted on 28th October 2024 at 14:43
We love to hear about how our services have supported and made a difference to the lives of our young people and their families – and in our 70th anniversary year, we’re celebrating them as well.
We asked one of our families to tell us about their experiences with Embrace, and for any advice they’d give to others at the start of their own journeys. Please meet 11-year-old Anaye and her Mum, Vongai…
Can you share a bit about your family’s journey, and how you first became involved with Embrace?
Anaye fell ill soon after her birth, and she was diagnosed with a rare metabolic disorder. She was in Intensive Care for almost a year, which was very hard on the family. Anaye suffered brain damage during the illness, which led to global developmental delay, and she is a wheelchair user.
We first got involved with Embrace when Anaye was about 6 years old - I was refereed by a Community Nurse for the Parent Carer Support.

What challenges were you facing before connecting with Embrace, and how has the charity helped you overcome these obstacles?
Because of Anaye’s complex health needs, we had become so isolated over the years. Anaye’s dad left when she was 5 yrs old, and as a single parent to a child with complex health needs, I faced many challenges - and we do not have much of a family support network.
I have really found the support from Embrace Parent Carer Network very helpful. I join in the weekly family walks and coffee, which has been great for me as I get to go out and meet up with other adults who are in similar caring roles. We share our experiences and challenges, and share information about other local support - and getting those steps in is always great! I love going to a different location every week - it keeps it exciting.
How has the support from Embrace impacted your family’s daily life and overall outlook?
We have been accessing Embrace support for over 6 years now, and we do access a few of the groups. This has had such a positive impact on my mental and Emotional Wellbeing. The Skool’s Out Clubs are absolutely a huge help, as that gives my daughter a chance to go and interact with other children, and for me to have some time for a break, knowing that she is safe and well cared for.
Are there any specific programmes, resources, or staff members at Embrace who have made a significant difference for you?
All the programmes and resources provided by Embrace are definitely tailored to support the whole family unit. For me, I love the Wellbeing Walks and yoga classes as they get me out of the house, and I get to do something for me. I have a really good bond with all the Parent Carers who attend, and – and it’s always nice to see Rachel from Embrace waiting for us in the different locations we meet, come rain or shine!
My daughter loves the Skool’s Out sessions, and they are absolutely amazing. I love that I leave her smiling and happy, and she always has fun there. All the staff are absolutely fantastic, and they always plan a lot of different, fun activities. I honestly can’t imagine what I would do without this support. We also attend the Family Swim sessions on a Sunday, which allow us all to have fun in the pool; Anaye loves being in the water.
What does “unlocking possibilities; embracing life” mean to your family, and how has Embrace helped you do that?
I would say Embrace definitely unlocks possibilities for children and families in circumstances such as mine. All the programmes and groups are family and child centred, and provide the young people with a safe space to grow and explore. As parents with a child with complex health needs, it is not easy to find such a safe environment with trained people to support your child.
What advice would you give to other families considering reaching out to Embrace for support?
I can imagine some families may be worried about whether the complex needs of their young person would be managed…I know I was. Embrace do a full assessment of your child, with input from both you and their school, if they attend. They come up with a comprehensive care plan, and the staff are all trained and take time to know your child.
The support you get from other Parent Carers is truly invaluable, and of course the time out you get as a parent when you come for the wellbeing sessions. For me as a single parent it has been a huge help to get the support from Embrace.
I would advise any Parent Carer families to access Embrace services and support - for themselves, and for their child, because they are tailored for the whole family.

A huge thank you to Vongai and Anaye for sharing their story and their thoughts with us. It’s wonderful to hear the ways in which we’ve been able to help Anaye grow and experience the world – and how we’ve been able to support her mum as well.
All of this is possible because of the wonderful people who donate to us. If you’d like to become a regular giver – however big or small the amount you can spare – you too can help our families to unlock so many possibilities, and Embrace life to the full. Follow this link to find out more: https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/24868
Tagged as: 70th Birthday, EmbracingLife
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