Our Story

Since 1998 Fledglings has been sourcing products for families with disabled children.

We are a non-profit shop that helps children and adults with additional needs by supplying products and equipment that help with everyday challenges. We provide an easy and trusted environment to find the right solutions and allow people to connect and share their experiences.

Fledglings was born in 1998 out of founder Ruth Lingard’s passion and drive to help parents and carers of children with special needs find simple solutions to everyday challenges they face. As a special needs teacher and social worker, Ruth had a wealth of experience helping families and children, and Fledglings gave her an opportunity to reach more people in need.

Upon Ruth's retirement, Fledlgings became part of the national charity Contact, then on 1st July 2025 Fledglings became independent again, it is now owned and operated by Fledglings Online CIC. As the official partner shop to Contact any profit made goes directly back to the charity to help support them in their valuable work across the UK.

25 years
12,000 products

Vision

At Fledglings, our vision is to support families with disabled children by helping them feel truly valued, empowered, and confident in making the decisions that are right for their child and their unique circumstances. We believe that families are the experts in their own lives, and with the right tools, knowledge and support, they can overcome everyday challenges and thrive.

We understand that finding practical solutions can often feel overwhelming, time-consuming or isolating. That’s why we exist — to remove some of that pressure. By offering a trusted, not-for-profit shopping space tailored to additional needs, we help families quickly and easily access products that genuinely make a difference.

Fledglings works in collaboration with many dedicated partners, some of whom have been with us since the very beginning. These long-standing relationships mean families not only benefit from our carefully curated range of products, but also gain access to the wider support offered by Contact – the national charity for families with disabled children. Together, we provide a holistic solution that combines practical help with specialist advice, emotional reassurance and a sense of community – all in one trusted place.

Our ultimate goal is to walk alongside families as they navigate their journey, providing solutions, signposts and solidarity every step of the way.

Cycle of Support

Fledglings cycle of support

Why buy from us

We are a not-for-profit shop with a very small team that runs it. We work very hard to keep prices as low as we can, but this is not easy. What we can offer free of charge is excellent customer service. We go over and above to help parents and carers find products that will help. We are your one stop shop. In addition, if we don't have what you need just ask us, think of us as your personal shopper. Whilst we cannot guarantee finding everything, we do our very best and are usually successful. Please email us at enquiries@fledglings.org.uk with what you are looking for.

We work with many great suppliers here in the UK, some of which have been started by parents and family members just like you our customers. Many are small businesses and we are proud to be able to show our support and work with them.

Every purchase from Fledglings directly helps Contact to continue supporting families of disabled children with expert information and advice. 

Supporting Fledglings means Contact can continue bringing families together at events and workshops to support each other, and help families volunteer, fundraise and campaign to improve their lives and the lives of others - this is our cycle of support.

If you are a parent/carer looking for funding, have a look at our potential funding page. 

Our values

Families at our heart

  • We are passionate in supporting families to fulfil their potential
  • We work in co-production, as equal partners with families
  • We genuinely care about each other and the families we support

Trusted

  • We trust each other to do the right thing
  • We treat each other with dignity and respect
  • We take responsibility for our actions

Empowering

  • We support and encourage each other to take positive action
  • We are non-judgemental and inclusive
  • We listen to families to discover better ways of doing things together

Bold

  • We are ambitious about what we can achieve together
  • We are determined and driven in everything we do
  • We take positive risks and learn from our mistakes

Contact

Find out more Contact’s national advice, information and support service, helpline, parent workshops and more at www.contact.org.uk