FASD Awareness are a charity offering support, education, training, research and information on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Our vision is to be a strong and effective voice for individuals and families living with FASD, while supporting initiatives across the UK to promote prevention, diagnosis, intervention and management.
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is the term used to describe the lifelong physical and/or brain impairments that can result from alcohol exposure before birth. These impairments might become evident as difficulties with physical activities, speech and language, memory, learning and behaviour issues.
FASD can be the outcome in individuals whose parents were either not aware of the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy, or were not being supported to stay healthy and strong during pregnancy.
Safeguarding statement: FASD Awareness follow a robust procedure when selecting suitable applicants and are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable people.
In the last two years, we have seen an increase of over 500% in the number of families seeking our help and in order for FASD Awareness to be able to fully support individuals with FASD and their families/carers. During Christmas 2019, we moved The Oast Community Centre in Rainham, a more neutral/appropriate venue, where we can accommodate larger numbers of children with FASD and be able to undertake activities such as:
Sensory play
Lego therapy
Art therapy
Technoplay
Music therapy
Previously, we had use of a room for free at ISP Rainham centre (a foster agency) to facilitate our support groups. The Oast Community Centre in Rainham now contains our office space and meeting rooms for our support groups and private one to one signposting sessions for parent and carers.