Sensory equipment

michb

This discussion was created from comments split from: Hi, my name is michb!.

michb

Hi I suffer really bad anxiety & panic attacks I'm on low rate pip but it' up for review now and I thought they had stopped pip for mental health illness, also I have a daughter who is post encephalitis I was wondering if there are any grants I can apply for for sensory equipment and Garden equipment for her especially climbing frames ECT she is very hypo now thanks x

mikehughescq

PIP was not stopped for mental ill health. The government didn't like a decision which said that overwhelming psychological distress could impact on mobility so they amended the regulations. Those amendments were challenged as discriminatory and the DWP lost on every single count. Esther McVey has confirmed they won't be appealing and will be trawling to find anyone who has missed out.

michb

Ok thank you 

Pippa_Alumni

Hi @michb, 

You might find Scope's grants search useful in searching for awards you may be eligible for. Best of luck!

michb

Thank you so much x

Jean_OT

Hi @michb

I agree with @PippaScope that it would be wise to use the grant search facility on the Scope website to seek charitable funders that you could apply to for grants towards the cost of your daughter's sensory and outdoor play equipment.

Here are some additional links that may be of interest:

The Family Fund

https://www.familyfund.org.uk/FAQs/are-we-eligible-to-apply

Variety Children's Charity

https://www.variety.org.uk/what-we-do/equipment-grants

The Act Foundation

http://www.theactfoundation.co.uk/content/apply-grant-individuals

With regards to sensory equipment it might also be worth exploring if you are able to borrow equipment that would benefit your daughter:

http://newlifecharity.co.uk/docs/latest_news/EFupAyAlEyhITstBeu.shtml

https://www.cerebra.org.uk/help-and-information/library/

Specialist sensory toys from specialist suppliers can be expensive. Some parents manage to save money by finding items that provide children with similar sensory experiences in high street stores, on-line or making things themselves. Here are some links to DIY sensory play ideas:

https://www.verywell.com/make-your-own-therapy-tools-and-toys-3107051

https://www.diyncrafts.com/15322/home/parenting/30-diy-sensory-toys-and-games-to-stimulate-your-childs-creative-growth

Hopefully your daughter already has contact with an Occupational Therapist (OT), who may be willing to advise on what equipment may be suitable and if necessary write a letter of support if you are applying to charitable funders. If your daughter isn't currently seeing an OT you could ask her Consultant, GP or SENCO about being referred.

Hope this helps

Jean