Family Fund Harrison

15th May 2017 • My Family Our Needs

As well as turning the spotlight on conditions such as cystic fibrosis, asthma and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), My Family, Our Needs will also be shining a light on organisations and charities that help families with disabled children on a day-to-day basis.

First up is Family Fund, the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. The financial implications of raising a child with additional needs can affect everyone in the family and put immense pressure on parents and carers. Which is why knowing where to turn for help is so important. Last year, they provided 89,423 grants or services worth over £36 million to families across the UK.

They aim to help give families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people the same opportunities as others by providing grants for essential items such as washing machines, sensory toys, family breaks, bedding, clothing, computers and much more.

Who do they help?

Families across the UK raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person aged 17 or under, on low incomes.

If you are in doubt as to whether your child or young person would meet the criteria for a grant, Family Fund recommend you should still apply. When they receive your application, they will check that it meets all the eligibility criteria. You can read their eligibility criteria on their website.

How they help

Family Fund will look at any grant request that relates to the needs of a disabled or seriously ill child, young person and their family. This could be anything from furniture, clothing, bedding, sensory toys, computers or tablets, to a family break.

As soon as we got the award letter, me and my mum were on the Learning Space website looking at all the amazing things that they offered.  When the sensory equipment started to arrive, we began incorporating it into Harrison’s room straight away, and it made such a huge difference.

Read the full story about how receiving a grant from Family Fund transformed Harrison’s bedroom into a safe, happy and relaxed space for him.

Family Fund logoHow to apply

If you’re applying for the first time you’ll need to download an application form, if you’ve applied before you may be able to apply online.

To find out more about how Family Fund have helped families across the UK join the conversation over on Family Fund’s Facebook page.

If you would like to share your story about how a fund or grant has helped you and your family, email us at hello@myfamilyourneeds.co.uk and we’ll feature your story.