Being there for more families: a look back at 2024-25 

Families raising disabled and seriously ill children and young adults continued to face huge challenges in 2024-25: higher caring costs; shrinking local support services; and the ongoing intensity of caring without a break. 

Our mission is to improve the day-to-day lives of those families. We do this every day, by providing grants for essential items, services such as our workshops, and the tailored support from our family contact team. Last year was no exception and we’re proud to have helped so many families. 

Our 2024-25 highlights 

In 2024-25 we provided more help than ever before, with over 200,000 grants and services to families in need. 

• 89,493 grants across a diverse range of grant programmes. 

• More than 110,000 instances of support for families, such as workshops, online resources and help over the phone. 

• More than 100 families and 170 children took part in our Discover Digital Summer Festival. 

• We gave families a voice to increase awareness about the reality of caring for a disabled or seriously ill child. 

• We became a Disability Confident Leader and increased inclusion and accessibility for staff and Trustees.

Thank you

“We are profoundly thankful to every funder, donor, partner, and supporter who stands with us,” said Cheryl Ward CBE, Group CEO of Family Fund. “Time and again, families tell us that receiving a grant, a service, or simply knowing someone cares has changed their lives. This support is not just practical – it’s a lifeline. And it’s only possible because of your unwavering commitment to helping families raising disabled or seriously ill children, often under extraordinary pressure. 

“Over the past year, we’ve seen what’s possible when we come together. But we know our work is far from finished. Around 600,000 families across the UK are still facing intense financial and emotional challenges. They need us now more than ever. That’s why we’re asking for your continued support – to help us to reach more families, and make sure every one of them feels seen, supported, and valued. 

“We welcome conversations with funders, donors, and partners who share our belief: that no family raising a disabled child should face these challenges. Together, we can be there for every family that needs us.” 

A big year ahead

Demand for our support has never been higher. Last year we had to make some difficult decisions, closing some of our grant programmes early and limiting application opening times because the funding simply ran out.  

We know this left many families without the help they urgently needed, and we’re determined to do more.  

You can help. 

We have big plans for 2025-26. We want to keep our grant programmes open for as long as possible. We want to continue to develop and expand our information and support services to ensure we can be there for families.  

Whether you’re a trust and foundation looking to support vital services, a business interested in partnership, or an individual who wants to donate, fundraise, or spread the word, we’d love to hear from you. 

Together, we can reach more families and ensure they get the support they need.