This post/fundraiser is about my best mate, Henry (aka @Frocktopus). He is an amazing friend and activist, who has contributed a huge amount to the disabled community. Right now, he needs our help!

Henry (@Frocktopus) is a severely disabled artist who is bed-bound due to severe M.E. He is unable to feed himself, wash or use the toilet without another person.

He previously had an informal carer providing him with 24/7 care - but that person had to suddenly move out, leaving Henry without the support he needs to survive.

A few years ago, he was receiving 50hrs a week for carers (on top of the care provided by the live-in carer); this got reduced to 21, then to 12 and ultimately to zero. His health has only got worse in that time period. Social have falsely claimed he has zero care needs, despite having multiple diagnoses and disability benefits. As an emergency measure due to the change in situation, social care gave him 2hrs of care a day. These council carers can not lift him or help him transfer onto the commode to go to the toilet. They also cannot wash him, change his pads or do many of the things he actually needs. They have also been weird about wearing facemasks (henry is immunocompromised) and have worn perfumes that cause reactions for henry.

Without carers - Henry will die. We cannot just wait for paperwork, appeals and formal processes. While we try fight for better access through social care, we need funds for private/freelance carers and adaptations to keep him safe NOW. He has already been in way too many dangerous situations due to failures of the NHS and social care. Ideally, Henry needs 24/7 care due to seizures which can become life threatening. He cannot reposition himself, even if it’s restricting his breathing.

If anyone in the Chesterfield area can provide physical/in person support with care and domestic tor household tasks, please let us know. If you are unable to help or financially contribute, PLEASE share and get the word out. Donate via the GoFundMe or paypal pool. He will not receive/control the money directly, but any donations will pay for carers and basic essentials.