National charity Family Fund is urging low-income families in West Lothian, with disabled or seriously ill children or young people aged 0-17, to apply for grants to help them through the remaining winter months and challenging ongoing impact of the pandemic.
The charity has just received additional funding of £300,000 from the Scottish Government, to support an extra 600 families across Scotland.
Provided under the Scottish Government’s Winter Support Fund 2021, the funding is designed to help families on low incomes who are struggling financially with extra disability related costs, seasonal costs and wider pressures.
The timing is welcome, as 79 per cent of families of disabled children in Scotland who responded to a recent survey by Family Fund stated they could not currently afford to replace or repair a major electrical item such as a washing machine.
Cheryl Ward, chief executive of Family Fund, said: “We greatly welcome this funding, which will enable us to provide essential, practical items for low income families raising a disabled child, throughout these difficult winter months.
“It’s a recognition of the significantly higher costs that the families we support face, who should all have a right to an adequate standard of living, rather than poverty and debt.”
Family Fund is the UK’s largest grant-making charity for disabled and seriously ill children and has over 40 years’ experience of supporting families on low incomes so they can have the same opportunities as others.
The charity provides grants for essential items such as kitchen appliances, clothing, warm bedding, sensory toys and equipment, computers and tablets, much-needed family breaks and more.
Eligible families in Scotland are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by visiting Grants: Scotland | Family Fund or calling 01904 550055.
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