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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

SN children

Family fund

18 replies

Dancingfairy · 28/07/2017 13:39

Hi has anyone applied for a grant from the family fund and if so what for? Have you applied for a child with autism? I would like to apply but it says they don't help with driving lessons however lots of people on google have said they got help with them from the family fund so I'm a bit confused, any comments would be helpful thanks

OP posts:

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pinaction · 28/07/2017 14:42

I don't think they do driving lessons any more - they used to, but I guess it got too expensive. I did get a driving lesson grant back when I first applied, but they didn't supply enough lessons for me to reach test standard (I'm dyspraxic so it's much harder) and so I still can't drive! We've applied for a grant every year since then, usually we've applied for gadgets/consoles as DS is into gaming, plus things like bedding and days out. They give grants for holidays but it's quite poor value for money as it has to go through this company called Inspire. The first grant is going to be the largest so it's best to ask for something big if it's your first time applying.

Dancingfairy · 28/07/2017 14:48

Yes this is the first time we are applying, I've already had driving lessons loads in the past so I don't think I will need too many, shame they don't do it anymore as ds hates buses and we have a regular battle as his school is not walking distance so we have to get the bus

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Dancingfairy · 30/07/2017 21:50

No one else had one??
Was thinking a cooker as ours broke and carpet for the stairs and also a trampoline for garden/climbing frame. As you can ask for 3 things am I likely to get them??

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LiquoriceAllsorts86 · 31/07/2017 18:05

I had one recently. I've got 2 disabled children but I just got awarded for one. Fair enough.
I got a trampoline worth £350.

iamUberA · 02/08/2017 10:24

I'm going to apply for a tumble dryer, haven't got round to doing it yet though..

Shortbutsosweet · 02/08/2017 10:26

Means tested so didn't get a grant.

JsOtherHalf · 02/08/2017 20:48

You generally get more for the first grant, than any subsequent grants. So apply for what you want, and hope.

Seenoevil · 03/08/2017 16:11

I applied last year for the first time (my son has autism) he got granted an iPad. None of my 2/3rd option (not that it mattered as I was still super grateful) took about 5 weeks.

Recently applied again for a tv and some days out, still waiting to hear back as so far it's been nearly 11 weeks, it only got put on there system at the end of last month as I sent it back in may!

So we shall see, hopefully il know any day now.

Sirzy · 03/08/2017 17:43

We got a load of sensory toys from the last year which has been a godsend.

This year we got DS an iPad

Dancingfairy · 03/08/2017 23:24

Thanks. Will apply.

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fairgame84 · 07/08/2017 11:47

I applied in May. We got £200 to pay for days out in the holidays and £120 for a helicopter chair for DS. This was the first time I applied and didn't think we would qualify so I was really pleased.

vickibee · 07/08/2017 14:22

we applied for a tablet and got an ipad, my ASD son was delighted.I understand you can apply once a year?

JsOtherHalf · 07/08/2017 17:36

They also offer digital lessons for the child and family:
www.familyfund.org.uk/digital

JsOtherHalf · 07/08/2017 17:49

In England( and I think Scotland and NI) you can apply yearly. This is what they say about Wales:
"Please note that, under the terms of our funding, we have to prioritise applications in Wales from families who have not previously received a grant from Family Fund. This means we are unlikely to be able to help families who have received a grant in the last three years."

Justdontknow4321 · 13/08/2017 20:04

Yes you can apply once a year in England.

I just looked at my online application on there website and 2 of them says 'paid' and the other offered as I asked for 3 things.
Just waiting for the letter know to know the amounts so I'm going to Be post watching!

leahgee · 21/08/2020 09:58

has anyone been lately given an award for an appliance and wasn't happy with the selection they recieved. Were you able to request a different model other than their list? I am so upset given rubbish selection

Mumofjustboys · 21/08/2020 15:59

We applied last year for my autistic son and got £350 for sensory equipment through learning space and £150 cash for seam free clothing (we literally bought £150 worth of seam free socks!). We had a local volunteer come round to ask more questions about my son and his siblings, she told me at the meeting she would be recommending they make the award and also give some details of local organisations and groups that I actually wasn't aware of so that was a nice surprise as we've now made some friends in similar circumstances.

One thing to note is that they don't respond to your claim until they decide to award or to have you meet with somebody for more information. This can take weeks and as it's done on paper I started to get the feeling that they hadn't received the application.

We've just put in our second application for some additional sensory equipment so fingers crossed we are lucky.

leahgee · 21/08/2020 16:26

I got awarded. I received an email from ao to choose from a designated list. However I do not like any of the items my question was if anyone has had this experience and whether I can make a request for alternative model

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