MSP pledges support for local families raising disabled or seriously ill children

9 January 2018

Local MSP Jackie Baillie has pledged her support for the Family Fund, the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people, and their commitment to increase the number of grants and services they provide to families.

Family Fund supports 766 families in the West of Scotland, including Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Helensburgh, with grants worth £359,683.

Families can find out if they’re eligible to apply for a grant by visiting www.familyfund.org.uk. The charity provides grants for a wide range of items, such as kitchen appliances, sensory toys, family breaks, tablets, furniture, outdoor play equipment and clothing.

Family Fund also provided 1,751 Take a Break grants for families in Scotland last year. Take a Break supports carers and their families to take a break, and help improve the quality of life, health and wellbeing of the whole family. Families will next be able to apply for a Take a Break grant in May 2018.

Jackie Baillie said: “I met the team behind Family Fund at the Scottish Parliament recently and pledge my support for plans to increase the number of vital grants and services they provide to local families.

“Family Fund helps ensure that disabled and seriously ill children have the same opportunities as others and breaks down the barriers for families on low incomes. I would encourage families in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and Lomond who need an extra helping hand to get in touch with Family Fund for more information on how to apply.”

Selena Begley, Scotland Partnership Development Manager for Family Fund, added: “Getting it right for every child and improving the outcomes and well-being of disabled and seriously ill children and young people in Scotland is at the heart of what we do in Family Fund. Raising a disabled child can be up to three times more expensive compared with other children.

“Throughout 2018 Family Fund will be celebrating the achievements of disabled young people in Scotland as part of the as part of the Year of Young People. We are grateful for the continuing support from the Scottish Government and are committed to doing more to improve the outcomes for disabled children and young people over the coming years.”

ENDS