Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland outlines impact of HFD support

Last year, the HFD Charitable Foundation supported Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) with a £4,000 grant to help the organisation continue running its family support groups for children living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

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Delivered from the charity’s headquarters in Glasgow, the ‘Stronger Links; Stronger Families’ project offers a welcoming space where families can connect, build friendships, and share experiences with others who understand the challenges of living with these lifelong, complex conditions.

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Figures from SBH Scotland highlight the impact made in 2024-25:

• 690 individuals and families received vital support

• 5,678 support contacts were made to address a wide range of needs and challenges – a 14% increase from 2023

• 41,600 people accessed the charity’s online health information

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Additional figures from the ‘Stronger Links; Stronger Families’ project include:

• 128 children supported

• 1,612 support contacts covering emotional wellbeing, continence care, education, bereavement, housing, and financial stress

• 31 personalised home or hospital visits

• 14 family group activities designed to build connection and resilience

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Among those who have benefited is Caelsa, mum to 9-year-old Tyler. She said: “We found out about SBH Scotland when I had Tyler. He was a week old, and he was just being moved up from the neonatal ward to sick kids. The love and support we get from everyone at SBH Scotland is phenomenal. We wouldn’t have been able to achieve the things we did if it wasn’t for them.”

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A spokesperson from SBH Scotland added: “Thanks to the support from The Foundation, we have maintained life-changing services for children and families navigating the complexities of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Your funding helps ensure that no child or parent has to cope alone. We have created safe spaces, strengthened mental health, offered timely information, and helped families access the essentials they need – at the time they need them most.”

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