The Marian Elizabeth Trust programme

About the programme

Financially supported by the Marian Elizabeth Trust, this grant programme provides families with a cash grant to help children and young people who need a very high level of support, due to complex or multiple disabilities. It is a referrer programme, which means families can’t apply for the grant directly. A healthcare or social work professional working with your child must make a referral on your behalf. Only one grant can be awarded per household.

Who is eligible for support?

To be eligible for a Marian Elizabeth Trust grant, your child must live with you in one of the postcode areas supported by the programme. These include Liverpool and The Wirral, Birmingham, Leicestershire, Rutland and Peterborough. Your child must:

• be aged 21, or under 
• have a severe learning disability and additional physical support needs, and require a high level of support. As a guide, they should have three of the following: 
  • a lifelong and/or life-limiting physical disability 
  • limited communication ability or they should be non-verbal 
  • attendance at a specialist school, or clear eligibility to attend 
  • a need for personal support with things like eating, washing or dressing

What you can use your grant for

Families who receive a cash grant can use it for whatever will support their disabled child most – from family breaks, day trips, specialist or sensory items, to kitchen appliances, furniture and more.

About The Marian Elizabeth Trust

Family Fund is proud to administer this grant programme on behalf of the Marian Elizabeth Trust. The Trust was set up in memory of Marian Edwards, who devoted her life to caring for her daughter Elizabeth, who was born with multiple complex learning and physical support needs, at a time when there was little understanding or support available for families raising disabled or seriously ill children.