Crawley charity Super Siblings forced to close after seven years due 'a lack of reliable volunteer support'

Super Siblings has been in existence for seven years and is a support group for children who have disabled brothers and sisters, founded by Sophie Smart.

Sophie describes Super Siblings as a ‘time and place they can come, and come first. It’s a time where they can do what they need to do. It’s a time for them to talk and discuss their feelings, their fears. If they want to talk about their SEN siblings as well they can, but if they want to forget about their caring role, and forget about home, they can do that to.’

But the group has had to come to an end after a ‘a lack of reliable volunteer support’.

A statement from the Super Siblings Trustee Board, said: “Despite clear on-going demand, 7 years of successfully providing support for a forgotten group of children and strong funding in place, a lack of reliable volunteer support has left the Trustees with no alternative but to close the charity with effect from 30 June.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sophie for all the work, enthusiasm and love she has poured into Super Siblings over the years. As a Mum who couldn’t find any support for her own daughter, Sophie’s determination and drive to provide that support for others has resulted on over 150 children having a safe, supportive space to find respite and form lifelong friendships with others that understand how different life can be.”

HRH Duchess of Edinburgh visited Super Siblings at Manor Green College in March 2024.

Speaking on the day of the Royal visit, Sophie told us: “Super Siblings is a unique group. There is nothing out there like us. There are a few charities out there who support siblings of disabled children in a way of counselling, late support in life with jobs. My aim for this was just allowing children to be children because that is what is taken away at such a young age.

“They have to be independent, giving them that childhood in that space, that’s what I think is important.”