• Rainbow Trust Children's Charity
  Provides emotional and practical support to families from diagnosis through treatment and beyond, including sibling and grandparent support.
  🔗 rainbowtrust.org.uk

• Bliss
  Supports parents of premature or sick babies, offering guidance and information.
  🔗 bliss.org.uk

• Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity
  Provides specialist nurses to support seriously ill children and their families.
  🔗 roalddahlcharity.org

• The Sick Children's Trust
  Offers free 'Home from Home' accommodation near hospitals for families with sick children.
  🔗 sickchildrenstrust.org

• SOFT UK
  Provides information on charities that can help with accommodation and other support while your child is in hospital.
  🔗 soft.org.uk

The Blue Badge scheme allows easier parking access for children with disabilities or serious medical conditions.

Eligibility (Children under 16):

• The child has a permanent disability or health condition that makes walking difficult.

• The child may need to be near a vehicle at all times due to dangerous medical episodes, equipment needs, or life-threatening conditions.

Examples of Eligible Conditions:

• Severe autism

• Cancer treatments needing fast hospital access

• Congenital heart disease

• Severe epilepsy or respiratory conditions

• Complex mobility needs or use of large medical equipment

How to Apply:

• Apply online via:
  🔗 GOV.UK - Apply for a Blue Badge

• You’ll need:

  • A recent photo of the child

  • Proof of address and identity

  • Medical evidence or a letter from a healthcare provider

Tips:

• Emphasize why being close to a vehicle is critical for safety or mobility.

• Even if your child can walk, explain if they can't do so safely, reliably, or repeatedly.

DLA helps cover the extra costs of looking after a child under 16 who:

• Needs more care or supervision than a child of the same age without a disability.

• Has mobility difficulties.

DLA Components:

1. Care Component (Low, Middle, High rate): Based on how much help your child needs with personal care.
2. Mobility Component (Lower, Higher rate): Based on difficulty getting around or needing supervision outdoors.

Examples of Qualifying Needs:

• Frequent supervision due to epilepsy

• Medical routines requiring skilled attention

• Severe learning difficulties or behavioural issues

• Physical disabilities needing help with walking or transfers

How to Apply:

• Download or request a DLA form:
  🔗 Apply for DLA

• Ring DWP to request a form: 0800 121 4600

• Provide detailed examples of daily struggles, medical appointments, night-time care, etc.

Tips for Application:

• Keep a diary of your child’s needs over several days.

• Be honest and detailed — don’t downplay needs.

• Supporting letters from GPs, teachers, or therapists are helpful.

Helpful Guides & Resources:

• Contact – For Families with Disabled Children
  Great DLA help guides and helpline.
  🔗 contact.org.uk

• Cerebra DLA Guide
  Clear and in-depth guide for parents.
  🔗 cerebra.org.uk

The Motability Scheme helps people with disabilities — including children — lease a new, reliable car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV), scooter, or powered wheelchair using their mobility allowance.

Who Can Use the Scheme?

Parents or guardians of a child (age 3 or older) can apply on their behalf if the child receives one of the following:

• Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

• Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (for older teens)

What’s Included in the Lease?

The Motability Scheme is all-inclusive, meaning the lease covers:

• Insurance (for up to 3 named drivers)

• Road tax

• Breakdown assistance

• Servicing and maintenance

• Tyres and windscreens

There’s also the option for adaptations to suit your child’s needs, many of which are available at no extra cost.

Types of Vehicles Available

• Standard cars (many with no upfront payment)

• Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs)

• Electric vehicles

• Scooters and powered wheelchairs (for those eligible)

How to Apply

Check eligibility at the official site:
🔗 motability.co.uk

Visit a local Motability dealer to choose a vehicle.

The lease is usually for 3 years (or 5 for WAVs).

Extra Support

• If you're not sure if your child qualifies, the Motability team can help.

• Grants may be available through Motability Foundation if you need a larger vehicle or adaptation and can't afford the advance payment.

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a government grant to help make changes to a home so that a disabled child (or adult) can live more safely and comfortably. It's available across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

What Is It For?

The DFG can help cover the cost of things like:

• Installing a stairlift or hoist

• Adding a downstairs bedroom or bathroom

• Widening doors for wheelchair access

• Installing ramps or grab rails

• Improving lighting or heating for medical needs

Can Parents Apply for Their Child?

Yes! Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of a disabled child under 18. Your local council may not means-test the income of families applying for a child (unlike adult applications), meaning many families qualify regardless of income.

How Much Can You Get?

• Up to £30,000 in England

• Up to £36,000 in Wales

• Varies in Northern Ireland and Scotland
  (Scotland has a different system — see below)

How to Apply:

1. Contact your local council (Housing or Social Services team) 🔗 Find your local council
2. A home assessment will be done, usually by an occupational therapist.
3. The council will decide what adaptations are “necessary and appropriate” for your child.

How Long Does It Take?

It can take time — from a few weeks to several months, especially if building work is involved. The sooner you apply, the better.

In Scotland?

Scotland has a different system, but similar support is available through your local authority’s Equipment and Adaptations Grant.

🔗 Adaptations in Scotland (Care and Repair Scotland)