Financial Grants & Sibling Networks
Raising a disabled child is expensive and can leave siblings stretched too. These verified national funds and sibling networks can ease the pressure — most don't require a formal diagnosis.
Specialist family & disability grants
Family Fund
The UK's largest grant provider for low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children (0–24). Covers white goods, clothing, sensory toys, tablets for learning and family respite breaks.
Who's eligible: On a low income or means-tested benefits (Universal Credit, Tax Credits, Housing Benefit). The child needs high support in at least 3 of 7 daily areas — assessed on the social model of disability, so a formal diagnosis isn't required.
Apply on the Family Fund portalChildren Today Charitable Trust
Direct funding for specialist, life-changing disability equipment for under-25s — sensory equipment, adapted trikes, custom wheelchairs, posture chairs and lifting aids the NHS won't fund.
Who's eligible: Applications need a supplier quote plus a professional reference from an OT, physiotherapist or SENCo (GP letters aren't accepted).
01244 335622 See the application criteriaFamily Action — Welfare & Hardship Grants
Direct financial welfare grants to stop an immediate domestic or financial crisis escalating — food poverty, emergency clothing and essential household items.
Who's eligible: Usually accessed via a referrer (school, social worker or support worker). Check current programmes on the site.
View Family Action grantsDisability Grants Directory
A parent-founded national directory aggregating hundreds of small local and regional charitable trusts — filter by age, location and disability for housing adaptations, holidays and leisure.
Who's eligible: Free to search. Each listed trust sets its own criteria.
Search the directorySibling crisis & emotional safeguards
YoungSibs (ages 7–17)
A secure, fully moderated online peer-support space run by Sibs UK, where children can safely chat with others growing up alongside a disabled sibling, with age-appropriate neurodiversity explanations and coping toolkits.
Open the YoungSibs portalOver The Wall — sibling camps
Free, fully supported, sensory-adapted residential activity camps and weekend breaks designed for the siblings of children with complex physical, neurodevelopmental or medical needs.
Check camp availabilityThe Hand of Support
Draw around your child's hand together. On each finger, write one trusted person outside the home they feel safe talking to — a grandparent, a friend, a teacher, a relative. It reminds them they have their own support network. Jot the five names here to keep or print.
Saved on this device only — nothing is uploaded.