Isle of Wight based organisations are being encouraged to apply for funding to help provide fun-filled activities for disabled children.

The funding of of between £2,500 – £120,000 is available under the government’s ‘Aiming High for Disabled Children’ programme which aims, in particular, to improve the ‘short break’ opportunities for those children with the most severe and complex disabilities.

Research has shown that these children have received least provision in the past. The government intends that these children benefit from equality of opportunity, thus increasing their involvement and inclusion in society, which will help them to achieve more as individuals whilst allowing communities to benefit from the contribution that disabled children and their families can make.

The Government wants disabled children to be a priority, both nationally and locally: a commitment confirmed in the NHS operating framework, the Child Health Strategy, Healthy lives, brighter futures and in the Children’s Plan. 

Funding Available on the Isle of Wight

Current changes to the way the government allocates funding for so-called ‘short breaks’ means organisations can approach IW Council with proposals for activities.

‘Short breaks’ are essentially activities that disabled children go on, perhaps for an afternoon or even a few hours at the weekend, providing them with fun-based activities while also giving the child’s carers, such as their family or guardian, some time off.

Grants of £2,500 up to £120,000 are available to organisations to help provide activities.

Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member responsible for children Dawn Cousins said

“Short breaks provide carers with a much-needed break from the often round the clock care they provide for their disabled child.”

“Thanks to the ‘Aiming High for Disabled Children’ initiative which aims to improve the lives of disabled children and increase their access to short breaks, the council are able to offer a whole range of activities that previously may not have been available.

“This is about using dedicated funding to provide the best service and opportunities to improve the lives of disabled children and their families”

Organisations that feel they may be able to offer short breaks are asked to contact the council via email to aiminghigh@iow.gov.uk

Submissions should be sent in by 2nd April 2010.