Access Fund

The Access Fund is a grant scheme to help children and young people with additional needs to participate in activities in their local community. This can be any daytime, evening, or weekend activity that the child or young person enjoys whilst their parent/carer has a break from caring. The aim is for children and young people with SEND to be part of the local community, accessing inclusive activities and opportunities that they are interested in. Through these activities, children and young people can be supported to learn new skills and develop their independence while parents have a short break from caring responsibilities. The Access Fund is part of a wider Community Short Breaks offer which aims to benefit as many families as possible, by supporting children and young people, regardless of need, to access activities by removing barriers to participation and improving inclusivity. Families can apply for funding for activities in their local community that they feel would engage their child or young person. The grant will be available to families of children and young people who reside in Newcastle upon Tyne, and who have an EHCP or are receiving DLA at any rate. The maximum grant available is £400.00.