Children with special educational needs and disabilities in Wirral could benefit from a new Government fund to help with cost of equipment, goods or services - from washing machines and refrigerators to sensory and educational equipment that they might not otherwise be able to afford.
Families could also receive grants for vital equipment to make their lives easier with social distancing measures, including computers, specialist equipment and educational toys.
Nationally, around 75,000 families are expected to be helped and the Chair of the Children and Families scrutiny committee wants to make sure no family in Wirral misses out.
Councillor Wendy Clements (Conservative, Greasby, Frankby, Irby Ward) said: “Of the £37 million announced for this extra help, £10 million will be used specifically in response to the unique difficulties presented by the coronavirus pandemic, helping parents educate and look after disabled or critically ill children who are staying at home more than usual.
“The grants are typically worth £400 to £500 per family, but vary depending on need. This could make the world of difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable children and help parents and carers with the extra pressures they are facing at this time.”
Dame Christine Lenehan, Director of the Council for Disabled Children, added: “I am delighted that the government has recognised the needs of the most complex children with disabilities at this critical time. Family Fund provides support for some of the poorest families and £37 million will make a real difference to meet the direct challenges they face.”
Family Fund provides grants to low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people, and aims to improve their quality of life by paying for a wide range of items that can ease the daily pressure.
To apply for a grant from Family Fund visit: https://www.familyfund.org.uk/
