There are a wide range of charities and national organisations that provide help and support for children and young people with SEND.
CEA Card
The CEA Card is a national scheme developed for UK cinemas by the UK Cinema Association (UKCA) which:
- allows disabled cinema guests to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them
- helps cinemas make sure they support their disabled guests properly
Who this is for
You can apply if your child is aged five or older and receives any of these benefits:
- disability living allowance (DLA)
- attendance allowance (AA)
- personal independence payment (PIP).
Or they are registered as:
- severely sight impaired (formerly registered blind)
- sight impaired (formerly partially sighted).
How to apply
You can find out more about the CEA Card and how to apply on the CEA Card website.
Grants or help with specialist equipment
Caudwell Trust
Caudwell Trust provides a wide range of specialist mobility equipment and sensory equipment for disabled and autistic children and young people.
Children Today
Children Today support children and young people with disabilities by providing adapted equipment to help them and their families live less isolated lives.
CHIPS
CHIPS is the charity of the casino and gaming industry and provides specialised powered wheelchairs for children and young people with varying disabilities. It will only fund powered wheelchairs not provided by the NHS.
CrackerJacks Children’s Trust
CrackerJacks Children’s Trust provides grants to disabled children and young people throughout the UK. It’s able to offer grants between £250 and £1,000 towards specialised equipment. This might include a specialised wheelchair, bikes and trikes and sensory toys. The charity also has a respite home near Bream Sands in Somerset called “Ray’s Sunshine Holiday Home”.
Disability Grants
Disability Grants provide computer and assistive technology grants.
Family Fund
Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. Items than can be provided include IT or gaming devices, household appliances, or even contributions towards a family break.
You can also use their Discover more support tool to discover more organisations who can help.
Lifeline4Kids
Lifeline4kids provide essential equipment to help improve the life of children with disabilities or special needs.
Merlin’s Magic Wand
Merlin’s Magic Wand is an independent children’s charity who provides the Magical Days Out programme.
Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House Charities operate from 14 NHS hospitals offering free accommodation and support to families, whose critically ill children are receiving treatment.