In News

The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that a £2.4 million fund will be available to provide practical support for disabled children, set up and expand helplines and to provide support.

Thirteen charities that help autistic people, disabled people and those with learning disabilities in the UK who are struggling with the effects of the pandemic will benefit from £2.4 million of additional government funding.

This follows the success of a £1.2 million fund given to charities last summer, which was to provide support during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking about the funding, Helen Whately, Minister for Care, said: “I know this last year has been a particularly difficult time for disabled people, autistic people and those with a learning disability. Covid-19 is having a disproportionate impact on them and we are doubling our investment in this fund to ensure people of all ages receive advice and support. It will help vital charities offer projects which are improving the physical and mental wellbeing of thousands every day.”

The latest grant will be used to help provide practical support, set up and expand helplines, support advocacy and provide mental health and wellbeing support for both staff and disabled people alike.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Justin Tomlinson, said: “The wellbeing and practical support provided by these charities throughout the pandemic has been invaluable to disabled people and their families. This funding provides a significant boost to those organisations and will impact positively on the disabled people using their services.

“As we look to build back better, the day to day needs of every person will be at the heart of our policy making, including our forthcoming National Strategy for Disabled People that will ensure disabled people have consistent access to the support that they need.”

The charities that will be awarded are:

  • Sense
  • RNIB
  • RNID
  • NDTi
  • Scope
  • Leonard Cheshire
  • Mencap
  • National Autistic Society
  • British Institute of Learning Disability
  • Contact
  • Respond
  • Learning Disability England
  • Challenging Behaviour Foundation

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