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Family Fund’s ‘Your Opportunity’ Grants Programme Open for UK Applications
The fund has been set up to focus on disabled young people who, once they reach 18, lose vital financial and wider support, including available learning opportunities and local groups and activities. These grants are designed to fill that gap and help young people lead fulfilling lives and pursue their goals and interests.
Applications will be accepted from the main parent or carer of a disabled or seriously ill young adult aged 18 to 24, who lives at home with them. They must have lived in the UK for the last six months and be a family on a low income from work, or benefits such as Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.
The young adult must have a high level of support needs in three or more of the following areas:
- Personal care, supervision and vigilance – needs support with feeding, washing, toileting, or needs to be supervised at all times.
- Access to social activities – needs extra support to access social or leisure activities, including difficulty travelling, or is currently socially isolated.
- Education/vocational training – has additional educational support needs, or needs extra help to attend vocational training.
- Communication – needs support to listen, speak or understand.
- Therapy and medical treatment – needs treatment or therapy.
- Specialist resources used – needs resources such as a wheelchair, oxygen, screen magnifier or electronic communication aid.
- The physical environment – needs support with getting around, travelling independently, and keeping safe.
The following are examples of what could be funded:
- Digital equipment – including laptops, tablets or software to help with learning, coursework or gaming.
- Clubs and activities – membership fees, sports training, support with season tickets or materials for a hobby.
- Musical instruments – contributions towards an instrument of choice.
- Sports equipment – kit or uniforms, specialist equipment, such as a specialist sport or lightweight wheelchair, or wheelchair maintenance.
- Transport – railcards, train tickets or bus passes.
- Day trips – tickets for the cinema, theatre, concerts or meals out.
- Support for learning – books, stationery or uniform, to support further education, training or vocational courses, including conferences or study weekends.
- Driving ambitions – contributions for a provisional licence, including licence costs, learning materials, theory tests or initial lessons.
- Bedroom furniture – assistance with beds and bedding, or televisions.
- White goods – kitchen items such as fridge freezers, cookers or washing machines, to help with independence.
Funding is limited. Applications are accepted from families on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is fully allocated.
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