More information and online application form at www.hse.ie/childrensdisabilityfund
Service providers and community groups that offer services or supports to children with disability can NOW apply for funding under the new HSE children’s disability service grant fund. The aim of this fund is to strengthen services for children with a disability currently waiting for Children’s Disability Network Team services (CDNTs).
With the support of Anne Rabbitte TD, Minister of State for Disability at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the HSE is calling on disability service providers and community groups who can provide additional and innovative services, such as but not limited to:
- Recognised sensory programmes
- Evidence-based therapies
- Respite services - clubs, evening and weekend sessions, Saturday clubs, sports sessions
- Additional therapy sessions for service users, such as managing challenging behaviours.
The HSE recognises the importance of additional supports for children with disabilities, especially when the supports they need may not be available currently. Additional services will be considered for funding if they meet some of the needs of children with disabilities and their families currently waitlisted for Children’s Disability Network Services provided by the HSE and its partner organisations. Organisations applying for funding must outline the benefit they expect to achieve.
Bernard O’Regan, Head of Operations, HSE Disability Services, said: “This fund is intended to improve access to the essential services that children and young people with a disability need. Funds will be distributed to organisations in 2023 and some proposals may be funded for up to three years.”
Anne Rabbitte TD, Minister of State for Disabilities, said: “I welcome this fund as an initial step by the HSE in developing further supports for families. I am conscious that many families are awaiting services and I expect this fund will provide additional options for those children with complex needs, whether that be respite services, essential therapy interventions or additional support programmes.”
How to apply
More information and an online application form is at www.hse.ie/childrensdisabilityfund. Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on Monday, 13th November 2023.
Disability service providers and community groups applying must provide a description of the proposal, outline the added value, expected outputs and benefits and the budget along with a timescale and milestones to be reached.
Who can apply?
- Organisations who have an existing service arrangement or grant agreement with the HSE
- Community and voluntary groups
- Private providers
- Joint applications from a number of organisations or community groups - applications should identify the lead organisation.
More information on the application process is at www.hse.ie/childrensdisabilityfund
Last updated on: 25 / 10 / 2023
