A little boy we’ve been supporting, David, has been facing ongoing feeding challenges. He was losing weight, constantly constipated, and barely managing to eat. Although he was on the NHS waiting list to see a dietitian, the wait was simply too long, and his health couldn’t afford the delay. Thanks to your support, we were able to step in and fund a private dietitian appointment, which cost £275 with Integrated Therapy Solutions. From that, David was prescribed Fortini milkshakes, high-calorie, nutrient-rich drinks that help children who struggle to gain weight. These shakes usually cost £6.95 each, which would’ve been a huge financial strain on the family, but now they’re being provided on prescription.
And the best news? It’s working. David’s mom recently gave us this lovely update:
I wanted to give you a brief update on David’s journey so far, he has gained 2kg in the last 3–4 months, which is great.
This is what your support helps make possible. Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and every family deserves help when they need it most. Well done, David, we’re so proud of you
Feeding differences are incredibly common among children with additional needs. Some may struggle with textures, have limited foods, experience extreme constipation, or simply find eating exhausting. These are real challenges that deserve real support, and that’s what we aim to provide. We’re proud to have connections with The Feeding Trust.
How The Feeding Trust Help With Feeding Challenges
The Feeding Trust is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting children and young people affected by Paediatric Feeding Disorders (PFD) and developmental feeding differences. Registered as a charity since November 2023 (Charity No. 1205834), they offer services across England with a mission to reduce barriers to evidence-based treatment, advocate for families, and raise awareness through education, research, and direct support.
Why The Feeding Trusts Work Matters
While it’s estimated that around 25% of children experience feeding challenges within the first decade of life, approximately 10% face significant or persistent difficulties. These challenges are even more common for children with medical, developmental, or learning differences. For these families, eating can be painful, frightening, or seemingly impossible, affecting growth, development, and overall wellbeing.
What They Do
Clinical Services
The Feeding Clinic offers specialist, transdisciplinary feeding therapy using their unique Eating as Learning Framework. It treats feeding as a developmental process—not a problem to “fix.” Their approach emphasises felt safety, neuro-affirming practice, and support for caregivers.
Education, Training & Resources
- For Families: Workshops, self-guided learning modules, and advice packs (like their “Eating as Learning Advice Pack”) empower parents with knowledge, tools, and strategies to support children at home.
- For Professionals: They offer CPD-accredited courses and masterclasses
Advocacy, Awareness & Research
They work tirelessly to raise awareness of PFD, publish educational research, and amplify real-life stories. They also collaborate with NHS services, universities, and professional bodies to improve access and understanding of feeding disorders.
We Work With The Feeding Trust To Combat Feeding Challenges
On a personal note, without The Feeding Trust, I wouldn’t have been introduced to food therapy, something that has made a real difference in our family’s life. My son, Toby, has feeding differences, and since starting food therapy, he’s begun touching foods, smelling them, and even pretending to eat them. These may seem like small steps, but for us, they’re huge. I have high hopes that one day, he’ll feel confident enough to try eating them too.
The work The Feeding Trust does isn’t just professional, it’s deeply personal for many families, including ours.
