The Local Offer
Link Newsletter February 2021
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Hello from the Trafford’s Local Offer Advisor
I hope that everyone has been safe and well. Since the last edition of the Link I have been able to support a number of families by carrying out the Short Breaks Assessments.
During this time it has become clear that families would like more information on where to access grants for different things from white goods to hoists and specialist chairs.
Here are some of those charities with a breakdown of what they can offer and how to apply (info correct as of December 2020).
Family Fund
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Telephone: 01904 550 055
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Website: www.familyfund.org.uk
If you’re raising a disabled or seriously ill child, they might be able to help. These awards are per family not per child and are not granted for items that are the responsibility of the NHS or social services. This could include:
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kitchen appliances
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family breaks (that you can top up yourself, they can be used in the UK or abroad – but cannot be used towards a holiday that’s pre dates the award)
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laptops/iPads
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furniture or bedding
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clothing
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hospital visiting costs
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play equipment
To see if you’re eligible I would advise you check the website but it is for families in the UK raising a disabled or seriously ill child/young person up to age 17.
Parents and/or carers can apply. Application packs, to be filled in and posted back to the Trust, can be posted on request or downloaded from the website.
If applying for the first time you can register and apply online.
Children Today Charitable Trust
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Telephone: 01244 335 622
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Website: www.childrentoday.org.uk
This charity can help with mobility equipment. This includes (but is not limited to):
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Electric wheelchairs and wheelchair power packs
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Walking aids
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Adapted trikes
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Adapted car seats
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Lifting aids/hoists to enable movement
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Posturepedic sleep equipment / weighted blankets
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Sensory equipment including bubble tubes
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Specialist seating including P Pod support systems
However they will not provide grants for ipads, laptops, holidays, apps or communication aids. Also please note that due to COVID-19 new applications are currently taking a minimum of three months to process.
To be eligible you must have a disabled child/ren or young person up to the age of 25 and must be in receipt of DLA or PIP.
Applications must be for specialised pieces of equipment for individual children, not groups or schools. You will need a medical reference from a professional along with a quote for the equipment. Contact the Trust to request an application form.
More information:
Coronavirus (Covid-19) Money Matters (SEND)
Housing advice on Autism Hub Trafford
In April 2019 the first ever Greater Manchester Autism Strategy, “Making Greater Manchester Autism friendly” was launched.
Housing was named as one of its priority areas of work. The GM Learning Disability Strategy that had been published in July 2018 also had a section on housing.
As a result a joint Autism and LD Housing Implementation group was formed in June 2019. This group is made up of autistic people, family members, health and social care professionals, housing providers, Homes England, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and NHS England.
There are a number of easy to read guides that have been produced by this group that have been added to our Autism Hub Trafford.
- A guide to renting a home for autistic and/or learning disabled people in Greater Manchester. The purpose of this resource is to help you understand how to rent a property and what their rights are in relation to that, as well as where to go to get help.
- A guide for autistic and/or learning disabled people in Greater Manchester who need help due to threat of eviction. Eviction is stressful and a frightening process for most people and it can be hard to understand what support is available. The purpose of this resource is to help you identify support if you are under threat of eviction.
They also have guides for those who provide rented housing in supporting and meeting the needs of people with autism and/or learning disabilities:
More information:
Housing Options Service Trafford (HOST) offers advice and assistance on housing related issues.
Telephone: 0161 912 2230
Email: salixhomes.co.uk
Website: https://www.traffordhomechoice.co.uk/choice/
Preparing for Adulthood: Planning where to live is our Local Offer page detailing different types of potential housing options to consider, depending on the type of support you need.