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Why join?
Join The CFDN today and become a part of our mission, which is simple but of utmost importance: to serve individuals with disabilities and their families from all faiths and none. At the heart of our organisation is the commitment to create a supportive and inclusive community that promotes opportunity through our extensive network and engaging events.
As a registered charity and voluntary organisation, we have been passionately dedicated to supporting individuals and families across the Diocese of Brentwood, encompassing Essex and East London, since 1962. Led by our Trustees, Committee's and CEO, and driven by the dedication of our volunteers who enable us to continue doing what we do, we strive to ensure that our community remains a beacon of support and encouragement.
Through a diverse range of events and activities, from swimming events at Leyton Lagoon to family disco nights, bi-weekly pub gatherings for adults, Saturday club meetings, enriching theatre trips, family BBQs, seaside coach trips, adventure days at Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning, and much more, we provide opportunities for personal growth, independence, social connections, and fun experiences for everyone.
Lifetime membership is £5 for disabled people and those who directly care for or support them. Membership gives access to the CFDN network, with individual activities subject to event availability and eligibility.
Who is membership for and what is included?
CFDN membership is primarily for people with disabilities and those who directly care for and support them. Our charity exists to provide opportunities, support, advocacy and community for disabled people and the parents, carers and close family members who play an active role in their lives. Membership is therefore available to:
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people with a disability;
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parents, guardians and household siblings of a person with a disability;
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spouses or partners who provide care or support;
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grandparents or other close relatives who have an active and ongoing caring responsibility; and
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other recognised carers who regularly support the person with a disability.
Membership is not intended to provide general family membership to the wider or extended family of a disabled person. For example, John who is 12 and lives with autism. John may become a member alongside his parents and grandparents where they are actively involved in supporting or caring for him. However, aunts, uncles, cousins or other relatives from separate households would not normally qualify simply because they are related to John.
This distinction is important because many of CFDN's activities, events and services are funded or subsidised specifically to benefit disabled people, their household siblings, those directly supporting them and their carers.
What does membership provide?
CFDN members can access our network of activities, events, information and support, subject to the eligibility and booking arrangements for individual services and events.
Membership also provides opportunities to:
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access appropriate CFDN activities and services;
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receive information, advice and updates from the charity;
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connect with other disabled people, parents and carers;
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access advocacy support where appropriate;
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contribute feedback and help shape our work; and
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participate in member voting and other decisions where provided for within our governing arrangements.
Some activities are specifically funded for disabled members and their essential carers. Being a CFDN member does not automatically mean that every family member is entitled to free or subsidised entry to every event. Eligibility will always depend on the purpose of the activity, available funding and the individual booking arrangements.
If you are unsure whether you or a family member is eligible for membership, please contact us before applying. We will be happy to help.
How to sign up...
Below there is a form to complete in order to become a member. It's quick, easy and simple. Once you are registered, you will be able to partake in the charity's activities as well as receive the latest information on what we are doing within the charity and have your say on ideas moving forward. If you require additional formats, please let us know. Our membership has now moved to a rolling lifetime membership. There is an initial entrance fee of £5 per person which does not require annual renewal; however, you're welcome to donate as and when you like.