Family Fund

Family Fund We're Family Fund 👋 here to support families raising disabled and seriously ill children. 💜
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We’re the UK's largest grant-making charity for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, on a low income.

💜 Grants
Eligible families can apply for grant items that will help meet their child’s additional support needs and make family life easier. We provide a wide range of grants like white goods like a fridge, cooker, or washing machine, clothing or bedding for your child, sensory to

ys or play equipment, technology items such as tablets and laptops, or even a much-needed family break. https://www.familyfund.org.uk/grants/

💜 Wider support
We offer families information and resources on where to go for help with money and benefits, budget planning, their children's education, mental health and wellbeing, digital training and creative workshops. https://www.familyfund.org.uk/support/

💜 Get involved
We want to help as many families as possible, and we can only do that thanks to generous donations, and inspirational fundraisers taking on challenges for Family Fund. You can help raise vital funds by signing up to a challenge like: Parallel Winsor, Edinburgh Kiltwalk, the Great North Run, Cardiff Half marathon, an Inflatable 5K, Three Peaks, or an event of your own choice. https://www.familyfund.org.uk/get-involved/

💜 Family experiences
We provide ways for families to share their experiences, so they can help influence lasting change on issues that matter to them. We also offer families who have children with a range of conditions like Autism, ADHD, cancer, downs syndrome and rare health conditions, the chance to share their stories and day to day challenges to help with awareness and understanding. We love to hear from families and see photos of your grant items or family breaks to Haven or Butlins. If you’d like to share your story, get in touch with us: https://www.familyfund.org.uk/get-involved/share-your-story/

From April next year, disabled bus passes will be valid all day across England. At the moment, they are only valid from ...
19/08/2026

From April next year, disabled bus passes will be valid all day across England.

At the moment, they are only valid from 9.30am to 11pm. For many people, the journey to work or school comes before 9.30am. Being able to use a bus pass at this time will hopefully have a huge impact for families. It’s also good news for young disabled people, giving them more freedom and independence.

We welcome this announcement from the government, and look forward to seeing how this will benefit families with disabled children in England.

Read more about this on the BBC website > https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjwx5vx21y2o

Headline: BBC

Image description: a row of red London buses parked on a road. At the top is a headline from the BBC which says ‘Disabled people in England to get 24-hour free bus travel’.

Calling all families in Northern Ireland 📣Our Northern Ireland programme re-opens today, funded by the Northern Ireland ...
17/08/2026

Calling all families in Northern Ireland 📣

Our Northern Ireland programme re-opens today, funded by the Northern Ireland Department of Health.

This mean families living in Northern Ireland raising a disabled or seriously ill child, or young adult, on a low income can now apply for a wide range of grants. Don't forget to check your eligibility on our website before applying.

To find out more about what you can apply for and to start your application today, head over to our website now: https://www.familyfund.org.uk/grants/schemes/northern-ireland-core-programme/

Do you know someone who could benefit from this programme? Tag them in the comments below 👇

The impact of Family Fund's grants and services is made possible by dedicated people who work every day to support famil...
14/08/2026

The impact of Family Fund's grants and services is made possible by dedicated people who work every day to support families raising disabled or seriously ill children across Northern Ireland. 💜

As part of Northern Ireland Week, we're introducing Joanne McDowell, our Northern Ireland Trustee, and Ruth Kane, our Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Northern Ireland.

In our latest blog, they share what inspires them, why Family Fund's work is so important, and their hopes for creating lasting change for families across Northern Ireland.

Learn more here👉https://www.familyfund.org.uk/news/northern-ireland-week-the-people-behind-our-work/

14/08/2026

Join us with Chaotic - The Community live now, as we announce the winners of our back-to-school £150 voucher giveaway! 📢

As we come to the end of our family stories this Northern Ireland Week, we're sharing Emma's experience and the differen...
13/08/2026

As we come to the end of our family stories this Northern Ireland Week, we're sharing Emma's experience and the difference the right support can make.

"We are truly grateful for all the support Family Fund have given us, from digital courses to a fantastic family break." – Emma

Emma is mum to Tommy, who is autistic and has severe learning delays. Like many families raising disabled children, life is busy and full of challenges, but Emma has seen Tommy make incredible progress over the years.

Digital technology has played a vital role in Tommy's development, helping him communicate, learn and grow. Through Family Fund's digital courses, Emma was able to build her own knowledge, learn from experts and gain the confidence to better support Tommy at home.

The family also enjoyed a much-needed break together through a Family Fund-supported holiday, giving them valuable time away from the pressures of everyday life to relax, reconnect and make lasting memories.

Emma's story is a reminder that support comes in many forms – whether it's learning new skills, accessing opportunities or creating special moments together as a family.

Have your voice heard 📢Are you a family living in North East Fife Constituency who has received a grant from Family Fund...
13/08/2026

Have your voice heard 📢

Are you a family living in North East Fife Constituency who has received a grant from Family Fund’s Scotland Programme in the last two years?

Are you passionate about raising awareness of the benefits of Family Fund grants and support and improving access to:

- A good standard of living
- Quality, affordable, flexible childcare
- Digital devices, connectivity and digital skills and offline options
- Short breaks and respite
- Play, physical activity and sport?

Family Fund will be meeting with Wendy Chamberlain MP for North East Fife in Cupar on 9 October at 11am-12pm. If you are a parent carer from the North East Fife constituency who is interested in joining us, please email: [email protected]

You can check which constituency you live in and who your elected representatives here: https://www.theyworkforyou.com/

It really helps us to advocate for improved support when government officials and parliamentarians can hear directly from families about their experiences of raising a disabled or seriously ill child - so a big thank you in advance for your support! 💜

If you love running and thrill rides, the Alton Towers 10k is the race for you.Join us on November 14 for this exciting ...
12/08/2026

If you love running and thrill rides, the Alton Towers 10k is the race for you.

Join us on November 14 for this exciting run through the iconic Midlands theme park, taking in all the famed attractions, including Rita, Oblivion and Nemesis Reborn.

And the best bit is, you get to go on them all once you've passed the finish line. Bring family and friends to cheer you on, and they get to enjoy them too!

Sign up is just £20 with a fundraising target of £150. See you on the Smiler! https://www.familyfund.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/events/alton-towers-10k/

This Northern Ireland Week, we're continuing to share the experiences of families raising disabled or seriously ill chil...
12/08/2026

This Northern Ireland Week, we're continuing to share the experiences of families raising disabled or seriously ill children across Northern Ireland and the difference practical support can make. 💜

"Without the grants Family Fund provides, I would have been put under even more financial distress." – Debi

Debi is mum to Teddy and Jackson, who both have complex needs. Jackson is non-verbal and communicates using Makaton and a communication board, while both boys can become overwhelmed in busy environments. Everyday activities, from visiting the park to leaving the house, require careful planning and constant vigilance.

When Jackson was ready to move from a toddler bed to a "big boy" bed, Debi simply couldn't afford the cost alongside her other essential household bills.

Thanks to a Family Fund grant, she was able to buy Jackson a new bed, giving him a safe place to sleep and easing some of the financial pressure on the family.

Debi says:

"Family Fund has been a great support to me financially, enabling me to purchase items I simply couldn't afford. The support has not only helped me buy these essentials, but also made me feel like I'm not alone."

No family should have to choose between buying essential household items and meeting the needs of their disabled child.

Please note Family Fund's Northern Ireland grant programme will be open soon- keep an eye on our socials for more information.

As part of Northern Ireland Week, we're sharing the experiences of families raising disabled or seriously ill children a...
11/08/2026

As part of Northern Ireland Week, we're sharing the experiences of families raising disabled or seriously ill children across Northern Ireland and highlighting the difference the right support can make. 💜

"With the help of a grant from Family Fund, our boys have a safe space to regulate at home. Thank you, Family Fund." – Samantha

Samantha is mum to Lucas, Jake and George. Like many families raising disabled children, she balances the different needs of all three boys while creating opportunities for them to learn, play and thrive.

Lucas is autistic and has hypermobility. Alongside encouraging him to stay active through swimming, Samantha wanted to create a safe, calming space at home where her children could regulate and relax.

Thanks to a Family Fund grant, Samantha was able to buy a dedicated dark den and sensory toys for her family. With guidance from Family Fund on the equipment that would best meet their needs, they created a space that works for all three boys.

Samantha's story is one of many that shows how practical support can make a lasting difference. Throughout Northern Ireland Week, we'll continue sharing the experiences of families across the country and why ensuring they can access the support they need matters.

Please note Family Fund's Northern Ireland grant programme will be open soon- keep an eye on our socials for more information.

Around 22,000 families across Northern Ireland are eligible for support from Family Fund, yet many continue to face the ...
10/08/2026

Around 22,000 families across Northern Ireland are eligible for support from Family Fund, yet many continue to face the extra costs of disability while living on a low income.

Last year, Family Fund awarded 4,126 grants through our Northern Ireland programme, funded by the Department of Health, alongside a further 273 grants through our other grant programmes. These grants helped families access essential household items, specialist equipment, technology, sensory resources and opportunities to spend quality time together.

The impact of this support is reflected in what our partners tell us.

The Mae Murray Foundation describes Family Fund as "a lifeline" for the families they support, while RNIB Northern Ireland says our grants help families move from "just surviving" to knowing "we're not alone and there is support." East Belfast Sure Start has also seen how grants for sensory equipment, household essentials and family breaks can make a real difference to everyday life.

Throughout Northern Ireland Week, we'll be sharing the stories of families we've supported, the difference our grants make, and why ensuring families can access the support they need has never been more important.

Alliance Party of Northern Ireland, Democratic Unionist Party Green Party Northern Ireland People Before Profit Sinn Féin Ireland Social Democratic and Labour Party TUV - Traditional Unionist Voice Ulster Unionist Party Doug Beattie MC MLA Claire Sugden MLA

Please note Family Fund's Northern Ireland grant will be open soon- keep an eye on our socials for more information.

Address

3 Alpha Court
York
YO329WN

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441904550055

Website

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