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| How we help |
Twenty years ago, families of children with lower limb conditions had nowhere to turn. This was the situation Sue Banton found herself in following the birth of her son Daniel with club feet. The frustration and isolation she faced motivated her to set up steps as a self-help group in 1980. Now a registered charity, steps helps over 2,000 families a year.
Many people think that conditions such as club foot no longer exist but this is in fact not the case. Nearly 1000 children per year are born in the UK with club foot. This is only one of many lower limb conditions that affect children today and steps endeavours to support children, adults and their families in accessing the best support and treatment for them to lead a ?normal - life,and most importantly reassuring them that they are not alone. We can help by; |
| National Telephone Helpline |
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National Telephone Help-line - is that first vital contact. It's so much more than just a phone line, it's the door to all of steps services and the support it offers. The help-line is available Mon - Fri, 9.30am to 4.00pm for providing information and support for any adult with concerns about the health of a child or young person. The service takes thousands of calls from parents, carers, grandparents and professionals worried about a particular child or person. Many of these calls are referrals from hospitals, health professionals and from health organisations such The Limbless Association and Meningitis Trust.
TEL 0871 717 0045
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| Awareness Campaigns | |
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We work closely with health professionals to raise the awareness of parents and carers of lower limb conditions, in particular early detection of conditions to enable treatment to be more effective. Our latest campaign was on baby hip health, encouraging parents to take their child for a hip examination. |
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| Family Contact |
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One to one Support Programme for parents with children with lower limb conditions. Parents who have experience of children with lower limb conditions volunteer to support parents who are beginning the journey of treatment with their child. The relationship can take place by phone, email or face to face depending on location and need. The relationship develops to respond to the individual needs of the parent needing support. The Support Parent does not pretend to be able to "fix it all"; and is encouraged to seek support from steps and to refer the person to other sources when issues arise beyond their abilities. |
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| Information & Guidance Service |
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We have a comprehensive library of information relating to conditions affecting lower limbs. Including information on DDH, Talipes (club foot) and Lower Limb Deficiencies, and equipment / aid lists. We produce regularly magazines with information on conditions, treatments, support available and real life stories. |
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| Conferences & Events |
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Each year steps organize an events to reviews the current thinking and offer training on lower limb abnormalities but allows you to meet experts (such as Orthopedic Consultants) in an informal setting and brings together parents and professionals, people who share common experiences and interest. |
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| International Club Foot Project | |
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There are over 80,000 children born with club foot each year in developing countries, many of whom will go untreated. We are endeavouring to work with other organisations to develop training and health programs in developing countries to raise awareness of club foot and the treatments available - offering local solutions to local problems. |
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