Family Fund

holistic_witch

Broken_hearted wrote: »

Saddened that someone took extra money just because they could and wasted it on days out. Now someone in need is going without, in the current climate every penny charities have is harder for them to get.

We had a very nice lady from Family Fund come to visit our disability support group. She said that there is an actual amount allocated to each family in the first instance its £800 and you can use it all, so what might seem like a waste in this time isnt to a family who needs some well earned rest from the daily toils of life with a child with special needs.
On the next years allowance its is less she didnt say the exact amount but did say that family holiday and other things could be included. so we worked it out to be about £500/600.
When family fund come out to see you they are the ones that recommend the extra things to make up the amounts. It is for the whole family to use towards the well-being of the child and their quality of life.

Broken_hearted

So when a family apply and there is nothing left it is ok then. Parents are responsible for their childrens days out, they also get money to pay for the childs needs. Taking something just because you can like a bigger car because you choose to breed more or a holiday is plain wrong. Buying a washer, fridge, wheelchair or similar is a good use of limited resources.

mspig

What people need to understand about the family fund is that its not a charity as in people go out and collect money for them etc its run by the government to help people with disabled children to manage and get things that they might not be able to afford but require to help them in their daily routine.
We have just applied for our second family fund - last year we got a washing machine, dryer, clothing, laminate flooring for the kids bedroom, money for toys and a hoover.

This year we have requested money for a holiday and a playhouse for the garden as the housing are flagging the back garden as the kids need somewhere safe to play.
And while my children are young enough i will apply every year to the family fund as they both have disabilities that will never improve.

holistic_witch

it goes on need. Like most people they need a break day out/holiday but cant always afford it. You cant always guarentee your washer/wheelchair is going to break/need replacing when you can apply. You can apply yearly after the 12mths. Why a bigger car, you cant get that on family fund - well people need the space from wheelchairs/equip. Most families do not claim because THEY BREED MORE.
If you look at other charities there are plenty that do not offer hols/days out.
Most people would like to have a child without the complexities of any disability whatever that maybe and not have to reply on the generosity of the charities.
So unless you have been there and got the t-shirt with the family fund, dont be so harse to judge those that are entitled to what the charity guidelines are offering.
I myself have a very voilent 6yr old who needs to be constantly occupied so days out would be great. I use his mrc from his care needs and his low rate mobilty goes on fuel for his many apps and social groups he has to goto to try and get him more socially accepted.
So if or when I apply he will be getting something that he wants and needs as well as being able to be a family unit and spent some time together

Broken_hearted

Which comes from tax with less people paying in there is still less money now.

mspig

But the money is still there for people with disabled children to apply for, if you don't agree with it then thats your point of view but to those with disabled chiildren it helps enormously to do things and get things that they otherwise would not be able to afford, oh and the family fund does not pay for cars(it does for driving lessons but you have to prove you have a car first), it also won't pay for any equipment including wheelchairs etc that are provided for by the local authority and it won't pay for buggies or baby equipment.

Broken_hearted

I agree with people getting help I don't agree with people being greedy. A disabled child is not a meal ticket.

holistic_witch

Broken_hearted wrote: »

I agree with people getting help I don't agree with people being greedy. A disabled child is not a meal ticket.

A disabled child is not a meal ticket. The stresses and strains they put on you are huge. So your saying that they shouldnt apply for the fund that has been set-up for them then if they are eligible.
The lady that came to see us said they actually encourage you to use your allowance so there you go, its them that are asking you to put the extra things done. One of the mum in our group was only applying for a trampoline but got told to put in for a new hoover, holiday, sensory toys, and a couple of other things as she was told that would be able to be put through as her child needed these things. The hoover was because of the cleaning involved with his care needs
Most of the charities do have strict critiria when applying in the first instance so its not just given to all disabled child/ren and most have to have a letter from a professional involved in their care

Broken_hearted

Trust me I am well aware of the stresses of caring for a disabled person and the costs. I just don't like people taking more than they need. Disabled adults needs alsorts too which they manage to pay for themselves and they have families with all the same stresses.

julesangles

broken hearted i, am for the first ever time genuinely astonished with that attitude of yours!
parents who have a child with disabilities and do all the things over and above anything you can ever imagine, and some things you wouldn't want to imagine.
After waiting for sometimes a special buggy (28 week waiting list to be seen, sometimes the same wait to get that buggy)
a 2 year wait for a gastro tube to be fitted to a child who cannot not feed through normal means.
A 2 year wait for walker to help them get about.
none of these things the family fund can provide, i realize why, we SHOULD get them through NHS/GOV.
The family fund has helped me though some huge holes in my unexpected gaps in life.
they have clearly set guidelines and would not offer anything just for the sake of it.
yes it gets some government funding, it also gets most of its money from fund raising, and as far as i know the rowntrees foundation(the old name for the family fund) are still involved.
there's an old saying that goes, if you cant say anything nice dont say anything at all.
hope you had a good day out! x