Published: July 2025
They say a lot can happen in five years. At Extraordinary Links, we can confirm that a lot has. From launching during a global pandemic to participating in national campaigns and being featured in local press, we’ve evolved into a bold voice for disabled and SEN children and their families. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we’re recognising advocacy, connection, and a community driven by love, purpose, and glitter glue. Extraordinary Links was founded in 2020 to support families of disabled and SEN children through inclusive activities, advocacy, and accessible information. With face-to-face support unavailable, we quickly adapted.
From launching during a global pandemic to being part of national campaigns and featured in local press, we’ve grown into a bold voice for disabled and SEN children and their families. As we mark our fifth anniversary, we’re celebrating advocacy, connection, and a community powered by love, purpose and glitter glue.
Extraordinary Links was founded in 2020 to support families of disabled and SEN children with inclusive activities, advocacy and accessible information. With face-to-face support off the table, we quickly adapted.
2020 — Starting Up in Lockdown
Launching a charity during a pandemic wasn’t exactly in the plan, but it didn’t stop us. We had one session before the country locked us down, but that session proved we were needed. Funded by Youth UK and the National Lottery, we launched online sessions, delivered materials to families, and revamped our website. We finished the year with a strong financial position — and, more importantly, a clear sense of purpose.
2021 — Reopening and Rebuilding
In September 2021, we resumed in-person group meetings. These weekly sessions became a centre for friendship, peer support, and empowerment. Children were able to play, learn, and connect with one another. Parents and caregivers received guidance on benefits, education, and navigating complex systems. A highlight of the year was a heartwarming trip to Bristol Zoo, generously donated.
2022 — Advocacy Takes Root
In 2022, we broadened our impact with funding from Youth UK and the National Lottery Community Fund. This year marked a significant shift as our parental advocacy work became central to our mission. We began supporting families during education meetings, guiding them through assessments and ensuring their rights were upheld. Remarkably, all of this support was provided entirely by volunteers — every session, every call, and every instance of making a difference.
All of this was delivered entirely by volunteers — every session, every call, every ounce of impact.
2023 — Partnerships and Practical Support
In 2023, we began new collaborations. Through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, in partnership with Bristol City Council, we provided holiday activities for 55 families, which included packed lunches and outings to destinations such as the SS Great Britain and Bristol Aerospace. We also collaborated with Children in Need and The Family Fund to assist families in acquiring essential items, including school clothes and household appliances. Additionally, our prize draw raised funds and garnered local support, with contributions from Bristol City FC and several other organisations. Our advocacy programme continued to expand, proving to be both impactful and necessary.
Meanwhile, our prize draw raised funds and built local support, with contributions from Bristol City FC and many other organisations. Our advocacy programme continued to grow — quietly powerful, deeply needed.
2024 — Recognition and Roots
Despite facing national funding challenges and rising costs, we were able to maintain our services with support from the Co-op Members Fund, St. Bernard’s PTA, and our generous community of donors. Founder Gillian Crea received a nomination for the BBC Make a Difference Award, acknowledging her outstanding volunteer work. Additionally, we were featured in a series of articles in the local Shire newspaper, which highlighted our community-led impact in and around Bristol.
2025 — National Campaigns and a New Generation
This year marked a new level of advocacy and visibility.Extraordinary Links became a proud signatory of the Save Our Children’s Rights campaign, a national initiative fighting for stronger protection and representation of disabled children. The campaign and its signatories were featured in national newspapers, bringing vital issues into the spotlight.
And closer to home, we celebrated a very special moment. Gill’s daughter received the Johnathon Rogers Award in 2025 for her outstanding contribution as a young volunteer with Extraordinary Links. Her passion, commitment and leadership continue to inspire a new generation of changemakers.
Looking Ahead
Our first five years have only been the beginning. We are scaling up our efforts with a youth ambassador program, expanding parental advocacy, and continuing to advocate for a society where disabled children, adults, and their families are heard, seen, and supported. We remain proudly led by volunteers, powered by our community, and unstoppable in our mission.
Get Involved
Do you want to be part of something extraordinary? Volunteer, donate, or connect with us. Together, we’re not just changing lives. We’re changing the story.
Together, we’re not just changing lives. We’re changing the story.