Help John get a good night’s sleep

John Dickson, of Kelloholm, has autistic spectrum disorder and developmental delay. As a result, he is a poor sleeper and needs to be constantly supervised because he has no awareness of danger.
His parents have moved him temporarily into a cot to keep him safe.
And now a charity is calling on people to help create a safe sleeping environment for the wee one.
John’s dad, also John, said: “We got him a single divan bed but he was not sleeping much, and when he did he slept in the drawer. He likes to be enclosed and the bed gave him too much space for him to feel safe.
“He would be up until 3 am, jumping on the bed and having constant meltdowns, head butting things, climbing and pulling things over.”
The family have heard about the SafeSpace and are keen to get one for John and have contacted Newlife for help.
SafeSpaces are custom-made ‘rooms within rooms’ designed for children and adults who may be unsafe in an ordinary room or bed and are particularly supportive for those with complex needs.
The equipment costs £6948 and Newlife CEO Sheila Brown, OBE, is appealing to the public to help. She said: “I know this is a busy time for families as they are preparing for their own festive celebrations, but I hope people can spare a minute to consider this Christmas how they could help improve a disabled child’s life.”
Anyone who can help John, should go to www.newlifecharity.co.uk/dumfriesandgalloway and click on the donate button next to his story.
Alternatively, contact the charity’s liaison team on 01543 431 444, email [email protected].
Newlife guarantees that 100 per cent of monies donated or fundraised in Dumfries and Galloway will be used to specifically help children with disabilities and terminal illness in the area. Any money raised beyond what is needed to help John will be used to support other children in the county.