York charity supporting more people than ever before

A York charity says there has been a huge rise in the number of families of children with special educational needs coming to them for support.

Family Fund say it can be up to 3 times more expensive to raise a child with a disability.

Last year alone, they delivered 170,919 grants and services, worth over £37 million.

Cheryl Ward, Family Fund’s Chief Executive, says the rising cost of living is having a huge impact : "If a cooker, washing machine, anything stops working, they can't replace it, they can't repair it, but additionally we're getting requests for beds, bedding, clothing, and technology to support their young person's needs. Any parent would want to do the upmost for their children, they are very simple items, every family, every child should be able to access a bed, have the clothing that they need, but the pressure on families with disabled children is significant, because life does cost most."

“For 50 years we’ve played a vital role in supporting families with disabled or seriously ill children, helping to make life easier with grants and services, whilst making their voices heard and sharing their experiences to influence lasting change on issues that matter to them.

“We are proud of the way we have supported families over this time, and continue, as we have for 50 years, to be led by what parents and carers themselves tell us what they need to make a difference to family life. Families continue to tell us our grants make a huge and practical difference to their everyday lives and for many they remain a lifeline.

“However, we are needed now more than ever, and continue to see the highest numbers of families coming to us for help in our history, with a 135% increase in grant applications since before the pandemic. Families are overwhelmed by living costs and facing staggering financial pressures which are now affecting their children’s quality of life.

“We are pleased the Government is supporting households by limiting the average energy bill at £2,500 a year as well as supporting those on Universal Credit by paying for childcare upfront.

“We are committed to continue to work with all of our funders across the UK Government, Charitable Trusts and our donors, to continue to grow our support for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and we remain to all who aid us to help as many families as possible

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