As usual, we’re on the lookout for grants and funds to apply for if you’re struggling, so here is the August roundup of Hardship Funds.
COST OF LIVING
Household Support Fund
£421 million has been made available to County Councils and Unitary Authorities in England to support those most in need to help with significantly rising living costs. This funding covers the period 01 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 inclusive.
Local Authorities have discretion on exactly how this funding is used: primarily be to support households with children, and pensioners who have energy bills, food and water bills. In exceptional cases of genuine emergency, this fund can be used to support housing costs where existing housing support schemes do not meet this exceptional need.
FAMILIES
UK Charity Family Fund provides assistance to families with disabled children. Grants have been given out for a range of items from sensory toys, family breaks, outdoor play equipment, clothing and more. Their aim is to support families and make a real difference. The deadline for applications is ongoing and more information can be found here.
CHILDREN
CHILDREN TODAY support children and young people with disabilities by providing adapted equipment. Anyone between the age of 0-25 can apply for a piece of adapted equipment – the applicant must be in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance. They accept applications for a range of adapted equipment from car seats to sports wheelchairs. The panel meets 4 times a year in March, June, September and December.
CARE TO LEARN can help with childcare costs whilst you study. If you’re aged under 20 and are in publicly funded education in England, you can apply for childcare cost support. You can get up to £160 per child per week if you live outside of London or £175 per week per child if you live in London. Payments go directly to your childcare provider. Applications are completed via the government website.
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
The Non-Ecclesiastical Charity of William Moulton help people in need who have lived within the boundaries of Newcastle upon Tyne for at least 12 months. Grants can be awarded for carpets, white goods, furniture etc. There is no final deadline for applications.
STUDENT HELP
SCOTLAND
If you’re studying in Edinburgh there is one remaining grant for the year that may help you: Postgraduate Discretionary, for which:
- You must be on a Postgraduate programme of study
- You must be from Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland
- EU students in receipt of a SLC maintenance loan may apply to this fund
The fund closes at the end of summer (TBC) and you can apply HERE.
VEGETARIANS
The Vegetarian Charity provides grants of up to £500 to vegans and vegetarianism up to the age of 26 who need help with paying for educational costs or essential items. There is no final deadline for applications with the whole process taking around 3 months.
YOUNG PEOPLE
Lawrence Atwell’s Charity provides grants to young people aged between 16 – 26 from low-income backgrounds. They will award between £100 – £1500 to help young people gain accredited vocational qualifications. Applications are taken at any point throughout the year. You are encouraged to apply at least 8 weeks before your start date.
