About us Why we’re here Why we’re here Cherry Trees is a small charity providing exceptional home-from-home specialist short breaks/respite for children and young adults aged 0-19 with a range of complex disabilities including learning, physical and sensory impairments. Founded in 1980 by a group of parents and doctors, Cherry Trees is a lifeline for the families of more than 100 children and young people who are regularly cared for here, whether it be after school for a few hours, a weekend or even a couple of weeks stay. Cherry Trees is a unique place, providing professional care in a safe, stimulating and fun environment, where every child is valued for who they are. It is a community that is dedicated to children and young people, enabling them to spend time with friends and enjoy new experiences and opportunities, while their families have a much needed break. A recent report on short breaks states that 4 out of 10 family carers have experienced cuts to their short breaks and 8 out 10 family carers say they have reached breaking point due to a lack of short breaks. There are over 10,500 children and young adults with a disability in Surrey and the income of families with a disabled child/children averages 23.5% below the UK average income. Another key fact is that only 16% mothers with a child who is disabled work, compared to 61% of other mothers. However it costs three times as much to raise a disabled children as it does to raise a child without disabilities. All these factors place pressures on families to be able to support financially a short break themselves, and with local authority funding being restricted parents are finding it hard to cope without breaks. Cherry Trees is the key charitable supplier of short breaks in Surrey offering 24 hour support 7 days a week for 48 weeks of the year. We look to provide bursary support to new and existing families on a financial and circumstantial basis. Cherry Trees supports every child's stay with voluntary income. We need your support.