Shades of Different is a registered charity based in East Dorset near the New Forest.

It has been born out of an awareness-raising campaign, which Erika Petrie set up three years ago to give a voice to differently-abled children like her youngest daughter Micaela, who has Down Syndrome and is non-verbal.

It is about promoting inclusion in society, better role models and equal opportunities for these children in the future, as well as giving them the voice they deserve both figuratively and literally.

The charity aims to raise valuable funds to supplement vital therapies in specialist settings such as: sensory integration, occupational therapy, speech therapy and music therapy.

It has just been awarded two funding grants by local companies, enabling them to send vital sensory equipment into special schools and start to run music therapy sessions in the local community. Shadesofdifferent.com

The website also contains a live blog: shadesofdifferent.com/more-stories/ where we share stories and debate in real time on worldwide current affairs issues such as: mental health, homelessness, alcoholism, cancer, rare genetic diseases, different ability, dependency and so much more.

Do get in touch with Erika (erika@shadesofdifferent.com) if you would like to share your story!