I'm 22 years of age, I have a condition called Athetoid Spastic Cerebral Palsy which effects all 4 limbs and my speech, (I'm wheelchair dependant) at the present time I'm still living with my parents with a 24/7 Personal Assistant as I need 24 hour care, I have been on many housing lists for 5/6 years, my boyfriend is self employed & lives 32 miles away.

My incomes are: DSS (income support) £153.90 fortnightly DLA £225.00 monthly Mobility taken up on a car Independent Living Fund ILF to pay for Personal Assistants Direct Payments to pay for Personal Assistants

We have just found out that I'm pregnant, it is still very early days, I'm just over 2 weeks, I'm trying to gain as much information as possible I have very carefully considered termination but I can not bring myself to do it so we have decided to continue, we are very concerned on how everything will work and are very grateful on any information and guidance anyone can give.

Could you please give me as much information as possible and I would be very grateful of any advice, I'm also very concerned about money issues

Yours Thankfully Bonnie Chamberlain

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2003

Answers

Hi. My name is Maria, I'm 23 and I have a nine month old son, Zack. I have cerebral palsey from the waist down. I am not always in a wheelchair - but if I'm not I have to us walking sticks or crutches. There is probably quite alot of advice I could give, too much to write in this space so please email me. {PtLovell@aol.com} Becoming a parent is a daunting thing, but things were never as bad as I worried that they'd be. The best advice I was given was to contact a charity called 'Homestart'tel: 08000 68 63 68, who are kind of 'home help' they are free & they will help you with housework or caring for the baby or even watch the baby for a while just to give you an hour to yourself. they can give different 'help' each week and social services are not involved. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2003