Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about our services and support.
FAQ's about fundraising & general enquiries can be found at the end of this section
Mobility equipment provision & Family Support
How do I apply for mobility equipment?
You can download an application form from our website or write to our Family Support Service department at Action For Kids, 15A Tottenham Lane, London N8 9DJ or call us on our Helpline number 0845 300 0237 (local call rates)
If your enquiry is not addressed here please contact us on support@actionforkids.org.
How long does the application process take for mobility equipment?
Whilst the Trust cannot give a definitive time scale on applications, we endeavor to process completed applications within six months of acceptance of provision.
Is there an age limit on applying for mobility equipment?
Yes. Eligibility on mobility equipment and maintenance support applications is 26 years.
What sort of mobility equipment do you provide funding for?
We provide funding for a range of mobility equipment including customised powered wheelchairs and tricycles, walkers and specialist buggies, adaptive seating and other therapeutic aids.
Do you provide funding for the full cost of the equipment?
We provide full funding for mobility equipment in two distinct ways:
Permanent Loan - this scheme applies to more sophisticated, customised mobility equipment, such as powered wheelchairs. We provide them on permanent loan, which enables the Trust to assist with maintenance and repair. The scheme also enables Action For Kids to up-date equipment when required and to pass on pieces of equipment to other beneficiaries if and when the initial beneficiary no longer requires it.
Gifted outright - this applies to equipment that does not generally require on-going maintenance and repair and is therefore gifted outright to the beneficiary and their family.
What are the benefits of providing mobility equipment to disabled children and young people?
A sophisticated powered wheelchair and other mobility aids, in conjunction with support and advice offered via our Family Support Service means simply that a disabled child or young person is more able to realise their full potential. The effects can be profound - with greater levels of freedom and personal independence their self-esteem, confidence and ability to participate in everyday, family life changes dramatically.
Having the facility to move around more independently, go out to play with friends, take a more active role in school or college life, and get involved in social and sporting activities, often for the first time, has a massive impact on their lives and personal development. This newfound independence has a similarly profound effect on parents and carers, alleviating some of the pressures associated with caring for siblings with profound, physical disabilities.
Does the National Health Service provide mobility equipment and offer support to children and their families?
The NHS, via their Wheelchair Services, offer a basic range of mobility equipment and services for disabled children, but unfortunately, due to financial restraints and ever growing demand, these services are often unable to cater for individual needs, in particular when addressing the needs of children with profound conditions. Action For Kids do work closely with the NHS wheelchair services, when possible, to improve the diversity of provision and to increase the number of children we can help.
How do Action For Kids establish which piece of mobility equipment is most appropriate for a child's needs?
Action For Kids works closely with experienced therapists across the country. All qualified physio and occupational therapists have specialist knowledge in addressing the mobility needs of disabled children and young people. As part of the application process, a comprehensive assessment of a child's needs is carried out to make sure the equipment we provide best addresses their individual needs. Working in close partnership with these professionals ensures that the advice and support our Family Support Service team offers to families is thorough and comprehensive.
Why are electric powered wheelchairs and other mobility equipment so expensive?
Customised equipment is expensive. It is not mass-produced, as it has to meet individual needs. A limited marketplace and a lack of competition can push prices even higher. However, Action For Kids' have over thirteen years of experience in the provision of mobility equipment and in that time have developed a strong network of relationships with suppliers, which enable us to negotiate significant discounts.
Why is the number of disabled children increasing in the UK?
With a greater number of children surviving premature births as well as advances in medicine and with more individuals living with injuries caused by accidents the number of children and young people with disabilities is increasing. As our own service provision statistics show (see our latest Impact Report 2006), demand on all our services continues to grow.
Work Related Learning Services
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions asked about our 'Work Related Learning Services, which is run in the north London region. If your enquiry is not addressed here please contact us at wrl@actionforkids.org
What is the age range for the Work Related Learning (WRL) programme?
The programme is open to disabled young people between the ages of 14 and 26.
How do I go about referring a young person on the programme?
You can download an application / referral form from our website or call the Work Related Learning Manager on 0208 347 8111 or email us at wrl@actionforkids.org
Do you provide transport?
Yes, Action For Kids has some transport facilities available. If you require transport to access our WRL Services, please contact us on the above number.
Are there any fees?
Where possible we will actively seek funding from statutory sources. In addition we endeavour to secure funding for placements from a variety of sources. However, we do not currently have a fee-paying policy for 'users' of the WRL Service. As a charitable trust we are always very happy to receive donations.
Are you only based in Hornsey or have you other offices?
All our services are delivered from our head offices in Hornsey, London N8. We currently have no other regional offices.
What do young people do when they come on placement?
The young people taking part in our WRL service are involved in a variety of work-based learning activities: real work is provided in a real workplace, developing work-related skills, taking on individual projects and tasks, assisting on fundraising projects, involvement in presentations and public events, working as part of a team, improving communication skills, working with various IT packages and learning about databases.
We aim to support the development of 'key' skills, support students in completing the work-based learning aspects of school and college courses and to support life and social skills development.
What types of disability do you work with?
We offer our WRL services to young people with a range of learning difficulties and/or disabilities, learning and communication difficulties and to those with visual and hearing impairment. For more information please contact the WRL Manager on 020 8347 8111 or email us on wrl@actionforkids.org.
What is Work Related Learning?
A programme of activities that aims to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of the work place:
· learn through work, by providing opportunities for young people to learn from direct experiences of the workplace and through our 'Outreach Service' working directly in the classroom situation.
· learn about work, by supporting the curriculum in education and helping young people to achieve their training goals.
· learn for work, by developing employability skills or skills supporting alternative career paths (for example, through problem-solving, CV development and mock interviews).
How long can placements be arranged for?
We have a very flexible approach when arranging placements for young people, ranging from a two-week block placement (generally utilized by those seeking statutory work experience opportunities), a day-release option (offered to those in work based training or FE College courses) through to three-month full-time placements offering support for personal development issues as part of a 'life skills' package
In addition, our 'Outreach' workshops in the classroom are usually arranged on a one session per week basis for a school term. For more information on our 'Outreach Service' please email us on wrl@actionforkids.org.
Do you need to provide your own Personal Assistant / Carer when on placement?
Each young person's needs are considered and planned for. WRL have a team of Support and Personal Assistants who provide personal and one-to-one support as required.
Fundraising & general enquiries
How do I make a donation to Action For Kids?
Have a look at the 'Donate' section for information about the different ways to give.
How are you funded?
We rely almost entirely on voluntary donations.
How much is spent on administration?
On average 3p in every £1 is spent on administration. Our fundraising costs, as a percentage of total expenditure, represents 20p in the £1 which means that Action For Kids ensure that 77p in the £ is spent directly on our services.
Where will my money go?
Donations received are used to provide a wide range of services to support disabled children, young people, their families and carers.
How can I obtain a sponsorship form for an event?
You can download a form from the Fundraising section.
How do I pay in money raised from a fundraising event?
Just add up the money you've raised, and keep it, but please write a cheque payable to the Action For Kids and send it to:
Supporter Services
Action For Kids Charitable Trust
FREEPOST (LON23001)
LONDON
N8 9BR
