Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
It’s the start of a new month so the hardship grants February 2022 round-up is here. People often start googling terms such as “get money now” and “get money quick”, and read our many suggestions for often fun ways to make quick cash. However, one thing a lot of people aren’t fully aware of is that there are hardship grants available when times are hard. With everything from help for talented young musicians to help to get mobility aids, take a look and see if any apply to you.
The Christine Brown Trust provides financial support to talented young musicians under the age of 19. Grants are given for a variety of reasons from help purchasing a new instrument to orchestra enrolment fees. Trustees meet twice a year in June and December to discuss applications. The deadline for June applications is 30th April 2022. Priority is given to applicants in the Yorkshire region, but other applications will be considered.
Currently, the Actors Benevolent Fund has two grants open for application one for support for those who are unwell, injured, or unable to work. The second is for individuals who are experiencing financial hardship owing to the coronavirus pandemic. Applications are discussed by the trustees at monthly meetings.
The Terrence Higgins trust hardship fund aims to alleviate poverty by providing small grants to people living with HIV in the UK. The grant itself is accessed through referral organisations – a full list can be found on the website. The fund is open to anyone living with HIV who are currently experiencing financial difficulties. The fund helps with living expenses such as clothing, change of accommodation, contributions towards white goods and more.
The Hospital Saturday Fund helps individuals with the purchase of specialist mobility equipment, home adaptations and more. Applications must be placed through a supporter organisation that apply on behalf of an individual.
The Mobility Trust provides powered wheelchairs and scooters for people with severe disabilities. They aim to help as many people as possible, so they have an initial screening process before sending out an application form.
Children today support children and young people with disabilities by providing adapted equipment. Anyone between the age of 0-25 can apply for a piece of adapted equipment – the applicant must be in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance. They accept applications for a range of adapted equipment from car seats to sports wheelchairs. The panel meets 4 times a year in March, June, September and December.
Care to Learn can help with childcare costs whilst you study. If you’re aged under 20 and are in publicly funded education in England, you can apply for childcare cost support. You can get up to £160 per child per week if you live outside of London or £175 per week per child if you live in London. Payments go directly to your childcare provider. Applications are completed via the government website.
The Barnes Fund aims to help individuals in the Barnes area who are in financial need. Grants can help with items such as utility bills, white goods, and school uniforms. Applications must come via a referral agency with a full list available on the website.
The Ambulance Staff Charity offer support to workers who are struggling mentally, physically, or financially. After completing an application form, a member of the charity will reach out to discuss what support they can offer to you.
That’s it for our hardship grants: February 2022 round-up – check out our January edition here.
An informative article.