We all know the extras come with a price tag so I have made a list of some charities that have helped us and people we know get some of the extras that make life just that bit easier.
New life foundation
The New life Foundation provides essential equipment to terminally ill and disabled children under 19 years who live in the UK. Grants are provided for items such as wheelchairs, beds, communication aids, and therapy equipment. Initially, telephone (0800-902-0095) and discuss your child’s needs with the New life Nurse. If eligible, an application form can be downloaded from their website. A Therapist report is required, and the grants are not means-tested. www.newlifecharity.co.uk This is a good charity for the larger items that cost lots a specialist chair, bed or sensory room.
Birkdale Trust for the Hearing Impaired Ltd
The Trust provides grants to children with a hearing impairment and organisations supporting deaf children. It will provide funding towards projects such as equipment for the hearing impaired, specialist tuition, professional advice, and support for appeals.
This charity is good and will pay towards hearing impaired child accessing extra speech and language support.
To apply download an application form from the website.www.grantsforthedeaf.co.uk
Cerebra
Cerebra supports children under 16 years who have a brain injury, neurological disorder, mental disability, or developmental problem. Their grant scheme funds 80% of the cost of a range of equipment or resources that will improve the quality of the child’s life. For example, they have previously funded specially adapted trikes, wheelchairs, buggies, sensory toys and certain therapies in the UK. Cerebra also have a holiday home in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. To apply your child must be 16 or under at the time of the holiday and receive DLA.
Action for Kids
Action for Kids supports disabled children and young people up to 26 years with physical and learning disabilities. They are able to purchase mobility equipment such as custom-built wheelchairs and trikes, therapeutic equipment and communication aids. The equipment remains the property of the charity as they undertake responsibility for servicing and repairs.
To apply either call their helpline 0845 300 0237 or e-mail: support@actionforkids.org
Variety Club
Variety Club provides funding for wheelchairs (electric, manual and sports), buggies, trikes, and bikes. It supports disadvantaged and disabled children and young people up to 19 years old who live in the UK.
Their grant criteria and an application form can be downloaded from their website.www.varietyclub.org.uk
Family Fund
The family fund is the UK’s largest provider of grants to low-income families raising disabled and seriously ill children and young people. We help ease the additional pressures families face. We can help with essential items such as washing machines, fridges and clothing but can also consider grants for sensory toys, computers, and much-needed family breaks together.
Caudwell Children
Caudwell Children provides funding for children under 19 years who have a disability or chronic illness, they have previously funded specialist equipment for mobility, computer access, sensory needs and medical items such as nebulisers and monitors. The charity also provides for the cost of specific therapies and treatments. This includes treatment/surgery not available in the UK and Autistic children’s therapies. To apply complete the online application form. Financial information is required as funding is only given to families whose income is less than £45,000 gross a year. Caudwell Children also funds and organises group holidays for children with a life-threatening condition and specialist disability sports equipment.www.caudwellchildren.com
Children Today
Children Today helps disabled children and young people up to the age of 25. They provide grants for specialist equipment and aids such as communication aids, educational toys, trikes, lifting equipment and electric wheelchairs. Applications must be made directly by the applicant, their parents or guardian by calling 01244-335622 to discuss their application. All applications are means-tested. www.children-today.org.uk
Footsteps
Footsteps is a Polish therapy programme that helps children and young people (3-25 years) with neuro-motor disorders reach their full physical potential. The three-week programme requires an initial assessment before a formal application can be made using the online application form. Grants to attend the centre are awarded according to need and financial details are required. www.footsteps.ltd.UK
