Disability charities benefit from £2.4 million government fund

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

The money will support people of all ages to improve their physical and mental wellbeing by funding services to provide practical support for disabled children, set up and expand helplines, provide mental health and wellbeing support for both staff and disabled people and support advocacy.

In July 2020, a £1.2 million grant was provided to seven learning disability and autism organisations to provide direct Covid-19 support to individuals, families and carers during the first wave. Now the funding has been extended to six more charities providing services across England.

Minister for Care, Helen Whately 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.”

'This funding will impact positively on disabled people using their services'

The 13 charities to benefit from the funding include Sense, Scope, Mencap, Leonard Cheshire, National Autistic Society, British Institute of Learning Disability, RNID and RNIB.

The new funding will support the important work these 13 charities are doing to help people affected by the pandemic, including:

• Practical support is being offered to disabled children and their families, such as distributing sensory equipment and play at home kits, as well as virtual education, learning and play opportunities.

• Helplines have been set up or expanded to provide information and expert, tailored advice to support disabled people and their families throughout the pandemic as well as Covid-19-specific digital resources, including to ensure disabled people understand their eligibility for the vaccine.

• Charities have provided online courses and wellbeing calls to support the emotional and mental wellbeing of disabled people and provide virtual support to reduce social isolation during the pandemic.

• Frontline staff working with disabled children and adults have had their wellbeing and resilience supported, including through qualifications in positive behaviour support to help those working with people who have the most complex needs.

• The advocacy sector has also been boosted to support those seeking to access advocacy services to ensure disabled people and their families and carers are able to make their voices heard.

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 these 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 policymaking, including our forthcoming National Strategy for Disabled People that will ensure disabled people have consistent access to the support that they need."