FAMILY FUND URGENTLY SEEKING APPLICATIONS FROM FAMILIES IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Families living on low incomes in Northern Ireland with disabled or seriously ill children or young people aged 17 and under are urged to apply for urgent grant support for essential items, to see them through these final winter months.

The Minister of Health in Northern Ireland, Robin Swann MLA, has provided the Family Fund with £500,000 of additional funding to support approximately 1000 more families facing challenging fuel and energy costs, post-pandemic financial and wider pressures and disproportionate extra costs associated with raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person.

This extra grant support will provide families with essential items, including children’s clothing; white goods such as a cooker, fridge, or freezer; sensory or specialist play equipment or technology for children and young people, and assistance with much-needed family breaks.

Over 80% of families with disabled children in Northern Ireland, who responded to a recent survey by Family Fund, reported being financially worse-off, compared to before the pandemic.

Families are asked to apply for a Family Fund grant before the start of March, by visiting Grants: Northern Ireland HERE