Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Tamil Special Children UK
About TSC UK
TSC UK was born in October 2017 out of heartbreak and urgency, when we saw how many SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) children were ending up in under-18 prisons. These were not criminals; they were vulnerable children failed by the system. That painful truth moved us to act to build a community where every child is seen, supported, and safeguarded. We support Tamil-speaking families across the UK who have children with SEND. While our members vary in age, we refer to them as "children" because their needs often require lifelong care and support. We are inclusive and do not align with any specific country, religion, or ethnicity.
SEND remains a taboo topic within the Tamil-speaking community. Our mission is to help these children integrate into society, stay off the streets, and avoid incarceration. We aim to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for every child.
A recent survey showed that the vast majority of families involved with TSC UK feel their lives have improved significantly thanks to our support network.
- We have grown from 4 families to more than 400 in just eight years.
- We have built a strong, supportive community that feels like one big joint family.
- We run clubs, workshops, sports days, charity walks, and festive events that keep families connected and confident.
- Our flagship fundraising event, Apoorva Varnangal (Unique Colours), showcases the talents of SEND children and their families while raising awareness within the Tamil-speaking community.
Yes, Tamil Special Children UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity No. 1191001). You can view our details on the Charity Commission website.
Currently, TSC UK is based in and serves families across the United Kingdom. Our community continues to grow, and we remain focused on supporting families within the UK.
The TSC Village
Our charity is volunteer-led, which keeps our operational costs low. However, we are fundraising to bring our long-term vision to life: the creation of the TSC Village.
The TSC Village is our dream, a gated community designed to provide lifelong care, safety, and purpose for SEND individuals.
- Many of our children will never be fully independent and need ongoing support, especially when their parents are no longer around.
- While some have siblings, the burden on them can be overwhelming.
- The Village will offer housing, facilities, and a strong sense of community based on our existing "Koottu Kudumbam" (joint family) ethos.
- Families (SEND children and their parents) will live together, offering pastoral care and emotional support. When a parent passes away, the community steps in to ensure no child feels abandoned or vulnerable.
- The Village will offer meaningful employment opportunities to SEND individuals in areas such as cooking, gardening, and administration, tailored to individual capabilities and informed by risk assessments. Any surplus opportunities will also be extended to other SEND individuals beyond the TSC Village.
Many care homes operate for profit, and unfortunately, some have been exposed for abuse, even those rated "good." SEND children are particularly vulnerable and often unable to defend themselves. We believe it is our duty to provide lifelong, compassionate care, so parents never have to fear what will happen to their children when they are gone.
Examples of reported abuse:
Raising a child with SEND is often significantly more costly than raising a non-SEND child. Families invest in specialist therapies, educational support, home adaptations, assistive equipment, specialised transport, and legal or advocacy fees. Many parents also reduce their working hours or leave employment entirely to become full-time carers, resulting in a substantial and often long-term loss of income. A 2023 UK study found that families with SEND children are disproportionately affected by poverty, debt, and housing insecurity compared to other families. The SEND Report 11.42 explains why disability benefits alone cannot fund a safe, purpose-built community like the TSC Village.
Donations & Finances
- Our charity is run entirely by volunteers, mostly parents and siblings of SEND children.
- Administrative costs are kept to a minimum.
- For events such as Apoorva Varnangal, we aim to cover costs through ticket sales so that donations go directly toward building the TSC Village.
We are a registered charity (No. 1191001). You can review our annual accounts on the Charity Commission website.
- We have two treasurers: one handles payments, and the other performs monthly bank reconciliations.
- These reconciliations are reviewed at trustee meetings.
- No salaries are paid, and reimbursements are only made with proof of spend.
- We submit annual accounts to the Charity Commission and obtain independent audits as good practice.
Visit our Donate page for bank details, JustGiving links, and other ways to contribute.
Getting Involved
Visit our Get Involved page to learn about volunteering opportunities or to subscribe for updates.
Explore our Useful Links page to find all of our social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
You can reach us through the contact form on our Get Involved page. Fill in your details and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
We organise a range of events throughout the year, including our annual Charity Walk, our flagship fundraising show Apoorva Varnangal, Sports Meet days, Christmas parties, and various internal clubs and workshops. Visit our Events page for the full schedule and details.
Privacy & Data
We take your privacy seriously and handle all personal data in accordance with UK data protection laws. For full details on how we collect, use, and protect your information, please read our Privacy Policy.
Still Have Questions?
We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch with our team and we'll be happy to help.
Contact Us