Testimonials
The Trustees do not expect letters of thanks from social workers or beneficiaries but occasionally they are received. Please see some of these below:
“Things have been pretty tough of late, and this is the best gift we could possibly have imagined.”
Beneficiary
"Rufus Friends Funds have been generous enough to support a number of my families over the past 12 months. The funds received have allowed families with young people diagnosed with a learning disability to access valuable family time together. The impact this has had on the families I support has been incredibly positive, giving the young people opportunities to experience new activities and environments and enjoy fun times together making lasting memories is invaluable to these families who have incredibly high caring roles and limited financial funds to spare to access this without the support of the charity.
As a professional I have found Rufus Friends Fund to be a valuable resource, the application process is smooth and user friendly."
Social Worker
“Rufus Friends has supported a young person, whose life changed overnight. They were able to support with a trip away for him to Legoland, with his mum and brother. He has always wanted to go there and loves Lego, so is very excited to have this trip to look forward too. This will have a huge impact on his emotional wellbeing, to have fun and enjoy quality time away with his family.”
Social Worker
“If the work of the charity is helping other children and families as much as it has ours, it’s value is truly beyond measure.”
Beneficiary
“Thank you for all your help, which makes all my son’s dreams possible.”
Beneficiary
“Thank you very much for your fund which has made it possible for us as a family to spend some time together. And have some magical memories we can keep forever.”
Beneficiary
“Thank you doesn't seem enough...No doubt like with many people you so kindly support, we've been struggling so your gift of a holiday is amazing.”
Beneficiary
“I have always appreciated the simple application process and the very swift response from the Fund, which is a particular delight in these complicated days.”
Social Worker
“You make such a considerable difference to the lives of not only the young people but also their parents and siblings.”
Social Worker
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your help to Warwickshire families enabling them to have a much needed holiday. The support of the fund has been such a help and always so easy, quick and simple to access - hugely appreciated by me.”
Social Worker
“I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you all for your kind generosity over the years that I have been working for Warwickshire. You do a marvellous job in providing for the children and young people with whom I work and without your support, they would certainly not have the opportunities that other young people have.”
Social Worker
“I am only too aware of the strains which carers and families face and think that your charity is marvellous in being of direct benefit to the families involved. It is for that reason that I chose [to support Rufus' Friends' Fund] rather than a generic charity to do with learning disabilities.”
Supporter
“Having been a professional in Learning Disability Services for 20 years and more latterly in Older People's services I decided to support Rufus' Friends' Fund as a vital resource for families in Warwickshire. They enable people to get a holiday that most of us take for granted. I commend them for their forethought and generosity raising money to provide the breaks away. You only have to read the testimonials to realise how important this Charity is.”
Supporter
“The experiences pupils have on such trips often stay with them for a very long time. The improvements to their confidence as well as social skills is often remarkable and has a real impact on their maturity levels and their independence skills which is so crucial as they prepare for their adult lives.”
Teacher
“I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we all had in Devon. He thoroughly enjoyed his week and benefitted so much from the experience. He worked really well with his peers and had the confidence to try every activity despite feeling anxious at times. He also developed the confidence to support others. He was quite exhausted by the end of the week but was incredibly proud of all he achieved. Thank you so much for funding this trip. I think that it is an experience that he will definitely remember.”
Teacher
“I found the fund so helpful and generous to the families I worked with, they hugely appreciated a break and I very much enjoyed the ease of applying for help.”
Social Worker
“A family had never been on holiday together before, so having a trip to London together, to visit Madame Tussauds, have a meal at Hard Rock cafe and stay in a hotel, made a young person's day. This is something he had always wanted to do and Rufus' Friends' were able to support making this young person's dream come true. ”
Social Worker