As you will be aware there are hundreds of registered charities in the UK supporting many different categories of disability, health and social conditions and we fully appreciate that they all have an important role to play in the support and guidance they offer and in how they choose there funding applications, after all as registered charities they are all accountable for their actions.  

However in our experience there are very few charities that will provide financial support to individuals in need (they seem to focus on providing support to other registered charities). During the time that we were having our bungalow adapted we contacted 33 charities for assistance with funding of the adaptation and purchase of equipment, there were only 4 that were able to help us (two were local charities) and it is to these charities that we would like to say a big Thank You and bring them to your attention:
 

Lions Club         (our local club Rayleigh/Hockley)

    Round Table     (our local club Rayleigh)

      Caudwell Charity         

    Family Fund     

If you make an application to a charity you will find that the process can be daunting in the information they require and contact details or letters that are needed from specialists who deal with your child. The processes can be long too as there is invariably a waiting list you will go on to but generally it will take between 6-9 months to complete the whole process (if you are successful in securing the funding/grant).

Some organisations have incredibly long waiting lists – one we have recently contacted for provision of a Meywalker at home for Matthew is Whizz-kidz, but there waiting time is presently running at 18-22 months to fund equipment and as Matthew grows his needs change accordingly so waiting this long is not appropriate for him and therefore we have not proceeded any further with our application. 

We would be interested to know of your experiences with charities so please contact us.

NOT FORGETTING:

 
   When you wish upon a star

The charity that provided us with a trip of a lifetime to Lapland, every child's dream to meet the real SANTA. They were absolutely fantastic and a trip we will never forget (we even have a video recording of the whole experience). Thank You.


 
The Southend Sunflower Trust

The Southend Sunflower Trust provided funding for the purchase of a swimming pool hoist and car ramps for Matthew.

Other charities that may be of interest:

Click HERE to download the "Its not too much to ask.." 2007 report.
 

Improving life for children and young people with severe disabilities.