Meningitis Now launch new emergency financial support fund
In our recent Keep Meningitis in Mind survey, we asked people who have experienced meningitis how the Covid-19 pandemic was affecting them, and one message came through loud and clear
Many people told us that financial difficulties were causing them concern. In fact, 30% of people said that they were finding dealing with financial worries difficult.
Bev Corbett, Meningitis Now’s Director of Research and Support, says, “Coronavirus has impacted our lives in many different ways. Here at Meningitis Now we know that children and young people affected by meningitis continue to struggle through these difficult times. That’s why we’re pleased to be offering emergency financial support through the COVID-19 Young Futures Fund.”
The COVID-19 Young Futures Fund launches on Monday 29 June and provides emergency financial support for children and young people affected by meningitis, who have faced further challenges during the current coronavirus pandemic. With up to £500 available per applicant for a range of items, equipment and services – including computers, sensory toys, online training and gym equipment – the new Fund will support the education, learning and development of children and young people up to the age of 25.
To ensure that everyone is treated equally and fairly, applications will not be means tested. But applicants must meet a set of criteria and include quotes for the items, equipment or services requested.
Ongoing difficulties and challenges
Bev says, “We hope that our new emergency fund will go some way towards relieving the ongoing difficulties and challenges faced by children and young people.”
Meningitis Now’s COVID-19 Young Futures Fund has been made possible thanks to kind donations from various trusts and foundations – as well as funds we would have otherwise used to host our support events across the UK.
Entry for applications will be open from Monday 29 June until the end of October 2020. To find out more, including the eligibility criteria and the answers to some frequently asked questions, please visit our COVID-19 Young Futures Fund webpage.
