Summer of Support
This summer, SOFT UK is inviting families, friends, and supporters to come together forthe Summer of Support campaign.
Through simple, family-friendly fundraising activities, SOFT UK hopes to raise vital unrestricted income that helps continue supporting families affected by Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, and related conditions.
Why the Summer of Support Matters
Across the charity sector, funding is becoming increasingly difficult to secure. Many organisations are competing for fewer grants while everyday running costs continue to rise.
For smaller specialist charities like SOFT UK, this creates significant challenges. Yet despite these pressures, the need for support has never gone away.
SOFT UK currently operates with just four part-time staff members, ensuring costs remain as low as possible. Over recent years, the charity has streamlined operations even further by bringing services such as website management, podcast recording, and media production in-house. This means more of every pound raised goes directly toward supporting families.
The charity continues to provide:
Emotional support following diagnosis
Bereavement support
Peer connections for families
Family events and community spaces
Advocacy and information
Safe places where children are recognised, celebrated, and remembered
Community fundraising helps protect these essential services while giving SOFT UK greater stability and flexibility to support families when they need it most.
How You Can Get Involved
There are several ways to support the Summer of Support campaign this year.
Donate Directly
A one-off donation can make an immediate difference to families relying on SOFT UK’s support services.
Become a Monthly Supporter
Regular giving helps the charity plan ahead and continue providing long-term support to families throughout the year.
Join the Summer Fundraising Campaign
Whether you organise a coffee morning, complete a walking challenge, or host a local raffle, every fundraiser helps raise awareness and brings the community together.
Easy Fundraising Ideas for Everyone
The Summer of Support campaign is designed to be simple, inclusive, and family-friendly. Here are a few ideas to get started:
1. Summer Memory Challenge
Take part in walking, swimming, cycling, or kindness challenges while fundraising for SOFT UK.
2. One Day for SOFT
Host a coffee morning, BBQ, cake sale, gaming stream, or community gathering dedicated to supporting the charity.
3. Memory Wall Campaign
Share stories, memories, and photos celebrating and remembering children who have touched your lives.
4. Summer Raffle
Partner with local businesses to offer prizes, experiences, or gift vouchers for a community raffle.
5. Corporate & Workplace Giving
Encourage workplace fundraising activities or matched funding schemes through employers.
Setting Up Your Fundraiser
Starting your fundraiser is quick and easy using either JustGiving or Facebook.
JustGiving
SOFT UK Summer Campaign on JustGiving
Facebook Fundraisers
Create a Facebook Fundraiser for SOFT UK
Earn the SOFT UK Fundraising Medal
To celebrate the incredible efforts of supporters, SOFT UK has introduced its very first fundraising medal.
Anyone who raises £100 or more during the Summer of Support campaign can claim this special medal as a thank you for their efforts.
Once you reach your fundraising goal, simply email Shaun Dowdall at: shaun.dowdall@soft.org.uk
Include your address and a little information about your fundraiser, and the team will send your medal out to you.
The medal also gives SOFT UK the opportunity to learn more about the amazing fundraising taking place across the community and celebrate the people making a difference.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
The Summer of Support campaign is more than fundraising, it is about ensuring families continue to feel supported, connected, understood, and remembered.
Every donation, fundraiser, shared story, and act of kindness helps SOFT UK continue its vital work for families across the UK.
This summer, together, we can make the Summer of Support the most impactful one yet.