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Family Fund grants

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Hi Caroline..........love your xmas logo lol. :clap:

 

Have had the forms for a few months lol, but not yet had the chance to fill them in with this and that going on......must get them done. :D

Daniel is in need of lots of stuff for his bedroom, but baffled in what to add first.

 

I'm sure I have come across some posts that state some have had visits and others have not, unless its just the first application we just get a visit. :rolleyes:

 

Let me know how you get on with yours hun and good luck. :thumbs:

 

 

Di xxx

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lol thanks Di, it's one of the pic's from this group :D

 

I put down the things that Hayden has broken:

 

Our Bed - consistent jumping

His bed - same as above

Light shade/light flex in lounge - pulled it clean off when he decided to swing from it

Toilet seat - standing on it

 

:oops:

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Hi JsMum

 

Thats good news, well done. :thumbs:

 

Did you have a visit ?

And was this your very first application ?

 

I'm not certain but is this a yearly thing with the FF ?

 

Cheers.

Di. :D

 

 

Hi Di, yes its Js second award, last year we was awarded much more as the first year and the first year is always greater than proceeding application, we did request transport finances but it was declined as there is a much higher number applying with first applications, and the goverment havent increased the budget so after your first application it is much less but with the increase of application it is even lessor than before.

 

so anyone appling again place something that is a priority.

 

Still we got a substantial ammount and J is looking forward to his supertramp king rectangular trampoline, if we can fit in the garden that is as its a large one so he can get longer out of it and safe with the way he dives and tumbles about.

 

We had a visit last year and though J didnt interact with her she did see he was actually real and he had special needs, that is really the purpose of the visit to ensure that the person actually exsists and do not be too concerned if the child is either good or acting up, they are not judging the verity of the special needs, they are ensuring they have all the right information.

 

You need to be very spercific when applying to FF the things you are requesting need to be related to the child and his special needs, you cant put things like a new bed because he has grown out of a cot, as this is something NT children will even need, it has to be related to the special needs.

 

So things to suggest would be things such as a Washer machine for children who have a contenience issue, so regularly wetting the bed, or changing clothes regular because of sensory needs, A shed for a place of sanctuary is a very good choice for children with ASDs.

 

A holiday for the family as raising a child with special needs may mean that you do not do the same as other families throw needs and lack of support, so costs to help towards will help provide this.

 

A trampoline is a good choice for muscular difficulties, hyperactivity, sensory difficulties, so describe what benefit a trampoline would be to your child that are specific to your childs difficulties.

 

A very common Therapy is Rebound Therapy.

 

Try to look at any Speciaist equipment that you would like but cant finace it, it may be that FF would look into this if it was to help provide benefit and promote the childs development, so I requested CD Roms, Books on Anger Mangement, and the same for a weighted blanket explaining that J enjoys the weight of me when I am holding him tight to stop him lashing out, so we researched Weighted Blankets.

 

So things that helped promote communication, sensory lights for the bedroom or a chill out corner in a living room, relaxation cds, special bikes if the child can not ballance properly, and many electrical items too, if your in any daught on what to request do ring FF as they are very helpful and they can help you with a successful claim.

 

FF is a yearly application and the first year is the highist award.

 

JsMum

Edited by JsMum

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FF phoned the other day and spoke to hubbyv and said we can have a grant for driving lessons OR something else NOT BOTH and if we take the driving lessons we can't apply again till November 2009!!!!! Have been waiting for answer since August and have only had a grant for a holiday 4 years ago of �380. May I ask how some people get loads of things and I don't???????

Edited by JoolsKing

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There is a higher demand this year, too many applying especially first time applications, the goverment havent increased the grant this year or proceeding years to come.

 

It may also be that the second thing requested may of not been related to the childs disability.

 

Also even just the driving lessons alone its still a lot of money as it includes the lessons and the theory test and then after passing that you get some more lessons and then two attempts at the practical test.

 

I had the choice between the trampoline and the driving lessons.

 

JsMum

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the other things were specifically for the children, sensory lights, laptop etc

also were you told if you had the driving lessons you couldn't apply for another 2 years?

I don't want to sound like I am moaning but in 5 years all I received was �380 and have read on here of others getting holidays and driving lessons and washing machines and computers etc etc etc

I only added the driving lessons as an afterthought as it would be beneficial for us both to drive in emergencies but the list of other things were for the 2 children and on the phone she said to hubby it was driving lessons or ONE thing off the list which sounds a tad unfair as I have 2 children

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OOOh i applied to the FF end of October & haven't heard a thing, put down quite a few things that would benefit my son, trampoline, lap top, sensory toys & driving lessons for myself as he has many appointments locally & in our next town - wonder what they'll make of my application :unsure:

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off topic sorry why does it say norfolk broads beside my name? lol :unsure:

It's your mountain (or in your case - flat - where Baggy likes to be).

As you post more, you move to hills and then higher mountains. Look at my mountain - I spend far far too much time here!! :lol:

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It's your mountain (or in your case - flat - where Baggy likes to be).

As you post more, you move to hills and then higher mountains. Look at my mountain - I spend far far too much time here!! :lol:

 

 

Blimey, i never knew that :lol: i just thought everyone was given a name of a mountain :P

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It's your mountain (or in your case - flat - where Baggy likes to be).

As you post more, you move to hills and then higher mountains. Look at my mountain - I spend far far too much time here!! :lol:

 

 

ahhhhhh lol cool idea

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Hi Joolsking,

 

It does sound unfair that in the 5 years all you have had is the money for a holiday, I would write a letter expressing your concerns that the needs of the sensory lights, laptop and the driving lessons are all essential and that you would like it reconsidering as you feel that your sitaution hasnt been fairly judged and hopefully after writing a letter it may help them see that you need these essentail things.

 

Have you got any social/health services helping you, social services have a list of grants willing to give holidays to families with special needs, for a break, also there is a book that provides a more detailed information on grants for specific equiptment called grants for individuals on Amazon uk there is also a spercific one for educational resources so education, music, art, drama, dance, sports support to help enable the child access what ever their disability or social background.

 

I do understand that system is looking favourable for some families, and I do understand the level of strictness I had to choose Js trampoline over driving lessons, I need to prevent him from breaking my coach, bed, chairs, table and other furniture so I thought a trampoline was going to save me loads of money and got one instead of the D.L plus I just cant pass my theory test and I have been very busy lately coping with every day tasks routines and disaplin that I have had no time for driving lessons, if I could drive it would transform my life.

 

JsMum

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Hi Joolsking,

 

It does sound unfair that in the 5 years all you have had is the money for a holiday, I would write a letter expressing your concerns that the needs of the sensory lights, laptop and the driving lessons are all essential and that you would like it reconsidering as you feel that your sitaution hasnt been fairly judged and hopefully after writing a letter it may help them see that you need these essentail things.

 

Have you got any social/health services helping you, social services have a list of grants willing to give holidays to families with special needs, for a break, also there is a book that provides a more detailed information on grants for specific equiptment called grants for individuals on Amazon uk there is also a spercific one for educational resources so education, music, art, drama, dance, sports support to help enable the child access what ever their disability or social background.

 

I do understand that system is looking favourable for some families, and I do understand the level of strictness I had to choose Js trampoline over driving lessons, I need to prevent him from breaking my coach, bed, chairs, table and other furniture so I thought a trampoline was going to save me loads of money and got one instead of the D.L plus I just cant pass my theory test and I have been very busy lately coping with every day tasks routines and disaplin that I have had no time for driving lessons, if I could drive it would transform my life.

 

JsMum

 

 

 

Thanks J'sMum you are very helpful, we don't have SS help as Hubby is also an aspie and won't have them in the house so it is just the 4 of us the 3 aspies and me and at times it can be very hard. I was very lucky the year I got the holiday grant I got a cancellation at Butlins for the 4 of us a week for �361 off peak so it was quiet and we loved it but that is the only family holiday we have ever had. Both myself and hubby are disabled so we survive on benefit and the FF grant would be for a few luxuries and when I read how others were getting lots of things I thought cool as I didn't know on my 1st application I will ask now but looks like I was unlucky. :unsure:

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I've just put my forms in again so wish me luck! I've asked them for clothing, but also a sewing machine as dd is forever tearing her skirts and it's really difficult to find ones the same that she likes :rolleyes: I have no idea how to use a sewing machine but it's the only viable option at the moment. :wacko: I've also asked for days out money and toys/computer software so we shall see what they decide we can have. By the time they've got to mine hopefully some of the extra new government money might be in their system and they'll be able to be a bit more generous :pray:

Edited by mandyque

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I had a letter from the FF on Christmas eve, saying that someone in my area will be contacting me soon to come & visit us at home! :pray:

 

Good luck, although I doubt you will need it :)

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Thanks Mandy :) just feel greedy asking for things :unsure::oops:

 

Does anyone know how long it takes them to come & visit you after they have written you a letter confirming someone is coming round? B)

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From beginning to end it can take a while, as long as 6 months for some, when J had his visit it was four weeks after that when we recieved the cheuqe and card the visit is to just ensure authisity and to check relevant criteria information, the lady we had was very understanding so do not worry.

 

Good Luck

 

JsMum

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Caroline, don't feel greedy, this is stuff that we are entitled to. The cost of living with a child with a disability is often much higher than a child who has no special needs, which is why DLA exists, and why there are so many charities for disabled children. They all accept that we need more help than most families, it's just a shame we have to go cap in hand for the things our kids need. It's a very humbling experience.

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Just reading through some of the more recent responses. Unfortunately the Family Fund Trust is a charity and demand is getting higher as more people are made aware of it, the internet is a fantastic thing. Resources will become lower per family when a charity becomes more in demand unfortunately. I think the reason they ask you to leave it 2 years before reapplying after the driving lesson grant is that from what a friend got, they cost over �1000.

 

I am sorry if some feel upset because they are being granted less than others seem to have been, personally I think that it's great if it means more families are being supported.

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Hi Mandy, i know what you mean. Just feel weird asking for things, but then again, anything that will benefit my son the better!

 

A little box arrived the other day with 'compliments of the family fund' on it, i opened the box to find two energy savers light bulbs!!!!

Now i can't say that i haven't heard from them! :lol:

Edited by Caroline-

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Hi all just wanted to say that the FF money is Government money NOT CHARITABLE FUNDS so never feel bad about applying

 

I received the driving lessons but had to decline because of ill health so they have now awarded a pc for my son and NOTHING for my daughter which I think is a bit unfair on her but have accepted the pc and will apply for her next year x

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Well after reading this thread I have just applied for it. I am not expecting to get anything but if I do it will be a bonus. Even a few quid to pay for his much needed social clubs will ease my burden!

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Well after reading this thread I have just applied for it. I am not expecting to get anything but if I do it will be a bonus. Even a few quid to pay for his much needed social clubs will ease my burden!

 

 

GOOD LUCK x

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Well after reading this thread I have just applied for it. I am not expecting to get anything but if I do it will be a bonus. Even a few quid to pay for his much needed social clubs will ease my burden!

 

I'm sure they will give you the money for that, socialising is important and will help his development.

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Yes.........good luck. :thumbs:

 

I still haven't filled in my form, and keep saying I had better get on with it, its been hanging about for months now. :rolleyes:

 

I am now thinking of adding a computer/lappy down on the list for him, although we have this one here, there are always arguments on who's going on next, like my older son who is also studying IT at university and needs this, and cannot afford to buy another one yet.

 

And do think this will help him a lot. :thumbs:

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well I put down for a laptop for his my lad's home education, but not expecting one as he does have a computer I just don't want him going to his room to use it as he will not any work if he does.

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Yes.........good luck. :thumbs:

 

I still haven't filled in my form, and keep saying I had better get on with it, its been hanging about for months now. :rolleyes:

 

I am now thinking of adding a computer/lappy down on the list for him, although we have this one here, there are always arguments on who's going on next, like my older son who is also studying IT at university and needs this, and cannot afford to buy another one yet.

 

And do think this will help him a lot. :thumbs:

If you ask for a computer you will probably not get anything else so if there is something that you need more, ask for that. Otherwise it is probably a good idea, especially when your older son is studying :)

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I had a phone call this evening from a lady from the FF, lovely lady called Bernie (said she tried to get hold of me a few times, must of missed the calls :crying: ) told her we are moving in a weeks time, so she said she'd call round tomorrow at 3:30 when my son is home from school :thumbs:

 

Still feel awful for asking, have changed some of things i originally asked for to:

 

Sensory toys

Trampoline

Cooker/ fridge freezer

Holiday

 

Think it's too much stuff to ask for? :unsure:

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So pleased!! :thumbs: Bernie, the lady from the FF came round this afternoon (on the dot!) Hayden, played up true to form, trying to take her shoe off & jumping in & out of a cardboard box, crawling on all fours etc (glad she saw this) she spent an hour & half with us. Told her about everyone envolved with Hayden, his difficulites etc etc, showed her all the relevent papers & she said she'd call me later tonight as she was doing the typing up of our claim, she was on the phone for 2 hours tonight, talking about what help we can get with Hayden & where to go for it, then she said (as i changed a few items on my list) that we could get a washing machine (ours has broken down) & tumble dryer as we have a baby with severe reflux problems & Hayden rolls around on the floor on a daily basis, money for clothing for Hayden, trampoline, money for furniture for Hayden's new room, sensory toys for Hayden & money or vouchers (whatever it is) for a holiday she also said that she would put it through as urgent to the FF :thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

Edited by Caroline-

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Good news Caroline :thumbs: They are usually very generous with first timers, you will probably get much less in future but it's really worth it isn't it :D

 

I'm not holding my breath for a decision from them at the moment, which is a shame, I'm after a sewing machine and they had a load in tesco a couple of weeks ago really cheap :rolleyes:

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they are selling them in Woolworths from �49 to �79 currently. I daresay they will have them for a while, or another big name will sell them cheap too.

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they are selling them in Woolworths from �49 to �79 currently. I daresay they will have them for a while, or another big name will sell them cheap too.

 

Yeah I know, the tesco ones were �40 though so cheaper still. Never mind :rolleyes:

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Had my interview with the Family Fund rep today. She sounded very positive on things and indicated we are a good case for it...totally disgusted at the maintenance from my children's father, but then who wouldn't be at �23 per child a week?

 

Anyway we can't have a laptop because I needed to buy one in between applying as my sons old one for home ed died and they are supplied from stock. But not to worry. He may get a holiday, my sons want a holiday camp one :wacko: , my worst nightmare but it's his choice and he may not want to do it next year (hopefully ;) ). He may get money for days outs and he may get some money for his shoes because at big size 6 and can't do his laces finding Velcro ones in my budget is nearly impossible!

 

But we may get nothing.

 

She also felt that he should be on higher rates of DLA, but we don't have diagnoses as yet so I said I won't got to appeal and tribunal without one as I don't want to drag him through it all.

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After putting in the forms - and then moving. Putting in the forms again - and then moving again.... :unsure::oops:

 

Finally got the whole muddle sorted, and lady is coming out at the beginning of March :thumbs:

 

I've asked for climbing frame and sandpit for the back garden - we have a nice big garden now and M could do with the energy release, and it's something i know i wouldn't be able to afford without them iyswim. One thing i wanted to ask you lovely lot is what can you get from family fund?

 

We have a very small fence (four foot high chicken-wire type stuff) around the garden - it's national trust area all around us, so if M does bolt it will only be into fields. But i've been having a worry about how i can afford the fencing.

Would they be able to help with that?? :unsure:

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Hi All, does anyone know how long it takes once someone has come to see you from the FF? The lady came to us on the 4th Feb & i'm still yet to hear back from them

 

Cheers xx

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It usually takes from 3-6 weeks after the visit so it hopefully wont be that long, its more to do with setting up the accounts in your name and making sure the right amounts are distubuted as some are cheques and some are cards, so hopefully it will not be too much longer, if you have not heard anything by march give them a ring.

 

JsMum

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Well I have had a decision with in the week and..............................................

 

 

 

omg, omg, OMG!

 

I have been awarded money for holidays, 10 times the amount I would normally spend on one holiday.

Enough money for leisure trips to last me normally 2 or 3 years and the top whack of clothing allowance as my son can't cope with laces and he now wears big size 6!

 

I can't believe live it, I have been dreaming about treating the children to Disneyland Paris for years......I may well just about have made that happen.

 

Thank you soooooooooooo much for pinning this thread and making myself and others aware of this! :D

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Well i'm still waiting. don't know why some people here back sooner than others? I phoned up & asked them & they told me that they were really busy & it would take 3-4 wks as they heard back from the lady who came out to see us on the 4th Feb....maybe this means we won't get anything as some people seem to here back in a week :tearful:

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