Established in Ireland in 1951, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ireland has helped hundreds of children and young adults realise their full potential. The charity supports sick, disadvantaged children and children with special needs from all 32 counties of Ireland, regardless of race, religion or gender, helping to enhance and advance their mental and physical abilities.
Variety Ireland is a non-government funded organisation. Its professional volunteers give their time to fundraise, and the money raised goes towards real, practical support — equipment like iPads and specialised trikes, along with co-funding projects around Ireland for children living with physical and mental disabilities. All funds raised go directly to the children the charity serves.
How Variety Ireland Helps Children and Teens
Variety Ireland’s focus is on providing services and specialised items that make a direct, practical difference to children, families, schools and communities. From mobility scooters to educational devices, therapeutic services and care programmes, there are several ways the charity supports families across Ireland. You can find full details of the work Variety Ireland does and how to get involved on their website.
Mobility Programme
Variety Ireland’s Mobility Programme provides life-changing equipment to support physical development, social inclusion, independence and freedom. Items such as specialised trikes and wheelchairs give children of all abilities the chance to join in indoor and outdoor activities with friends and family that weren’t possible before.
Care Programme
Variety Ireland’s Care Programme delivers life-altering support services to children across Ireland — everything from physiotherapy to medical devices, sensory toys to specialised equipment, all aimed at supporting a child’s development and wellbeing.
The Care Programme also helps fund group activities, retreats and camps that support children’s physical and mental development, along with their wellbeing and self-esteem.
Future Programme
Variety Ireland’s Future Programme delivers life-enriching communication devices and equipment that foster learning, education and communication, and promote independence and self-esteem. Individuals, schools and communities can access support through the Future Programme, from educational software and devices to braille books.
How to Apply for Help from Variety Ireland
Variety Ireland believes no child should ever feel excluded or unequal to their peers. The charity aims to help children who, due to mobility, disability or financial hardship, may not otherwise get to enjoy the same experiences as their peers.
Families, registered charities and institutions can apply to Variety Ireland for assistance or co-funding using the application form on their website.
If you’d like to support this work, individuals and organisations can also help Variety Ireland by donating, fundraising or volunteering. All funds raised go towards enhancing the lives of children across Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ireland?
Variety Ireland is a non-government funded charity, established in 1951, that supports sick, disadvantaged children and children with special needs across all 32 counties of Ireland.
What kind of support does Variety Ireland provide?
Variety Ireland provides practical equipment and services through three main programmes: the Mobility Programme (equipment like trikes and wheelchairs), the Care Programme (medical devices, therapies and wellbeing support), and the Future Programme (communication and educational devices).
Who can apply for help from Variety Ireland?
Families, registered charities and institutions can apply for assistance or co-funding through the application form on the Variety Ireland website.
How can families and individuals get involved?
You can support Variety Ireland by donating, fundraising or volunteering. All funds raised go directly towards helping children across Ireland.
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- Supporting Children with Additional Needs: Resources for Irish Families
- Ways Families Can Get Involved in Community Fundraising
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