Legacy Project
Casa Maria: Our Children’s Family House in Romania.
Who we are
Founded in 1990 and officially registered with the OSCR (Office of Scottish Charity Regulator) as SC039383, Children in Distress is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children in Romania. Our roots trace back to a year of volunteer service before our formal establishment, where we provided urgent assistance in Romania with a team of committed volunteers.
We stand proud of our partnership with Fundația Copii în Dificultate, our Romanian counterpart based in Bucharest. Together, we work tirelessly to uplift the lives of children, families, and caregivers in Romania.
Our Vision & Mission
Our vision is to empower and uplift vulnerable children, families, and communities in the UK and Romania.
Our mission is to provide strategic grant funding with a focus on supporting impactful, sustainable and community-led initiatives across the United Kingdom and Romania.
Our History
The genesis of our organisation stems from the compassionate response to the crisis of care witnessed during Romania's transition from communism in 1989. Shocking images of abandoned children moved individuals like the Rev. Dr John Walmsley from St. Laurence Church, Barkingside to act. The Association for Helping Children in Romania was thus born, later evolving into Fundația Copii în Dificultate.
Over the years, we have expanded our reach, establishing multiple centres that have set new standards in children's care. Our focus was on three key areas. Casa Maria, our Children’s Family House, carries forward the legacy of St. Margaret’s by providing care for children with severe disabilities. Our Community Education Outreach Programme offers holistic education initiatives, while PineView Retreat Lodge envisions a future of social integration and respite care for children and young people of all abilities.
Our Work Today
Core funding priorities include continued support for Casa Maria in Romania, a legacy children’s home funded through a structured grant model. Annual grants will also be provided to small Romanian charities and UK community hubs that support children and their families and communities. Additionally, three pilot community projects will be launched: a London community hub, a Yorkshire community hub, and a Romanian outreach project.
