Disabled children charity delayed funding from Wales Government
Funding due to arrive to Family Fund in April now leave over 500 families raising disabled children in Wales waiting for immediate grant support.
Family Fund, the UK’s largest provider of grants to low-income families raising disabled and seriously ill children is still awaiting its funding from the Wales Government. This was due to arrive in April, and leaves over 500 families waiting for immediate grant support for essential items.
Last year, Family Fund helped 4,952 families in Wales with grant support for essential items such as washing machines, cookers, beds, bedding, clothing and much needed family breaks. Due to the delay to funding from the Wales Government, over 500 families have been waiting for at least 6 weeks to hear whether they will receive these much needed every day items.
Family Fund helped over 66,900 families last year across the UK with funding support from all four UK Governments. In April 2014, they received funding from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland governments, leaving only families from Wales not currently receiving any support.
It is not just the financial grant support that is effected, Family Fund gave one-to-one support to over 11,000 families across the UK last year, with over 700 of these in Wales. Without the funding, this support is delayed, meaning families do not get that vital information about local and national advice and support agencies.
Rob, from Cardiff has been helped by Family Fund. He said:
“Family Fund have been an invaluable support for me and my son who has autism. We have had a range of things over the years such as a washing machine, tumble dryer, iPad and a family break away. Without their help, I simply wouldn’t have been able to afford to give Christopher access to family time away or the learning and communications tools from the iPad that he uses every day. I would encourage any families in Wales who have children with a disability to apply and hope those waiting are given help soon.”
Cheryl Ward, Chief Executive at Family Fund said:
“Our main concern is with our families. As we help low-income families with an immediate need, we know that time is of the essence and they have little or no alternative for our help. Families come to us to help increase their quality of life, for example a parent can avoid daily trips to the laundrette with their disabled child through a Family Fund grant for a washing machine. We work hard to ensure our timescales are short wherever possible and are working closely with the Welsh Government to avoid any further delay. We encourage families from Wales to continue to apply for a grant from Family Fund.”
Kate Young, Wales Trustee at Family Fund said:
"Family Fund give essential help to thousands of families across Wales, and this delay has a huge impact on those that need it the most. Families that come to Family Fund for grant support tell us that without our help, they would simply have to do without a washing machine or a fridge, or that support towards hospital visiting costs which may see them incurring debt or going into poverty. The Welsh Government has always been supportive of our work and I'm hopeful that the delay will soon be rectified to avoid further delays to those families that need us."
Families who have already completed and sent through an application form, do not need to take any further action as they will be contacted directly in due course. Family Fund encourages families from across Wales to apply for a grant, with more information available on www.familyfund.org.uk.
Ends
Notes to editors
- The Family Fund is the country’s largest grant-giving charity and has over forty years of helping families with disabled children. It helps ease the additional pressures faced by low-income families raising a disabled child by giving them grants for a wide range of goods and services, including washing machines, dryers, fridges, clothing, bedding, sensory toys, computers, much- needed family breaks and more. Across the UK last year, the Fund supported 66,937 families with £33 million in grants, 4,952 of these families live in Wales.
- Family Fund works hard to ensure that all funding received reaches as many families as possible across the UK. Last year, more than 93 pence in every £1 received went to a family in grants and services.
- Family Fund grant applications can be downloaded from the Family Fund website www.familyfund.org.uk. Families can contact Family Fund using the online contact form or by telephoning: 01904 621115.
Alison Jessop, Group Communications Manager
Family Fund, 4 Alpha Court, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York, YO32 9WN
Tel: 01904 571094 Mobile: 07825 699192 email: comms@familyfund.org.uk
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