Families caring for disabled or seriously ill children struggling with winter cost pressures are being urged to apply to national charity Family Fund for grants for items their children need - worth up to hundreds of pounds.
Eligible families can receive grants for wide-ranging items, including white goods like fridge-freezers, washing machines and cookers; furniture, clothing and bedding; technology like computers and tablets; sensory and play equipment and family breaks and days out.
Families can make an online application and will receive a decision within weeks.
Families raising disabled and seriously ill children face significantly higher household costs due to caring. Recent research by disability charity Scope found that the extra cost of disability is now over one thousand pounds a month.
Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families on low incomes raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. Last year it provided vital grants and wider support services to over 150,000 families.
Read more about the charity here.
Family Fund Director of Grants Services, Ben Calverley, said:
“Winter is a very challenging time for the families we support- covering higher bills to care for their disabled and seriously ill children on top of, often, rising debt from not being able to work as much as they want.
“We offer wide-ranging grants to families living in Northern Ireland – everything from white goods and furniture to sensory and play equipment, technology or family breaks. If families haven't received support recently, we encourage them to apply now, via our website, or to get in touch with us for support.”
Belfast mum says charity grant boosted her disabled son’s physical and mental wellbeing
Lisa Bowers’ four-year-old son, Freddie is on the autism spectrum and has a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD).
Lisa said: “Freddie goes to a special school, and hasn’t yet grasped getting dressed or undressed, or toilet training. He can walk but does need a buggy after a while.
“We received a grant for a trampoline from Family Fund, which has been amazing. It only took a few days to be granted. It’s so nice to see Freddie have some independence, and something that he can use confidently, without needing my help.
“The trampoline has helped to strengthen Freddie’s legs, and whilst he’s on it I can get things done around the house. Freddie would usually be pulling at me to do things, and he doesn’t understand that things are hot and not safe. Now, he can go on the trampoline and I know he’s safe.”
About Family Fund
Family Fund has over 50 years’ experience supporting families raising disabled and seriously ill children and young people to have the same opportunities as others. The national charity provides essential grants and services to ease some of the daily pressures families face.
For more information about Family Fund, including the grants the charity offers, visit www.familyfund.org.uk.