Grant Guidelines

Strongbones provides grants to help children and young people that are full time wheelchair users who live with conditions affecting the bones and muscles including Spina Bifida, Scoliosis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Cerebral Palsy, and Muscular Dystrophy access equipment, resources and support that improve their independence, wellbeing and quality of life. We understand that every family’s circumstances are different, which is why our grants are designed to provide practical help when it is needed most.

Before applying, please read the guidance below to ensure your child meets our eligibility criteria and that your application includes all of the information we need. Providing complete documentation helps us assess applications as quickly and fairly as possible.

Strongbones is committed to supporting children and young people living with complex bone and muscle conditions, helping families access equipment, resources and opportunities that can make a real difference to everyday life.

We support children and young people living with bone conditions who meet one or more of the following additional criteria:

  • Are wheelchair dependent.
  • Have complex health needs.
  • Are receiving palliative care.

In addition, applicants must:

  • Be aged between 3 and 21 years at the time of their first application.
  • Live in England or Wales.
  • Be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

If you’re unsure whether your child is eligible, we’d encourage you to get in touch. We’ll be happy to discuss your circumstances and advise whether a Strongbones grant may be suitable for your family.

Our grant scheme for children and young people is available for the following equipment and resources:

  • Specialised profiling / turning beds
  • Acheeva learning stations
  • Alternative supportive seating
  • Shower / personal hygiene trolley
  • Shower chair / cradle
  • Portable gantry hoists
  • Molift mobile hoists
  • Delichon all-terrain buggy
  • Specialist trikes and sporting wheelchairs
  • Stabilo vacuum posture cushions
  • Therapy benches
  • Winter warmer packs
  • Educational resources packs
  • Sensory packs and equipment ie. Fibre optics, Nanoleafs
  • Innovative assistive technology such as CMPSR
  • We will also considerer applications for other specialised equipment on a case by case basis.

We also offer inclusive family respite opportunities, these include:

  • Bendrigg Trust and respite activity centre
  • Our fully adapted and accessible caravans, VIP by the Sea and Hundred Acre Woods, at Shorefield Country Park, located in the New Forest.
  • Together for Adventure family support days.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide grants for:

  • Disability equipment where an NHS clinical negligence settlement has been awarded.
  • Spas or baths.
  • Driving lessons.
  • Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) top-up funding.
  • Clothing.
  • Powered wheelchairs (please contact your local Wheelchair Services or charities such as Newlife or Whizz-Kidz).
  • Permanent household fixtures or adaptations.
  • Garden or bedroom makeovers.
  • Additional warranties.
  • Servicing or repairs to existing equipment.
  • Equipment that is the responsibility of schools or Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
  • Safe space beds or safe space surrounds.
  • Specialist car seats.
  • White goods.
  • Therapy sessions.
  • Scoliosis braces and bodysuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The application process for equipment takes approximately 10-12 weeks from the date an application is submitted on the website.

You can normally submit another application 18 months after receiving your previous grant. Earlier applications may be considered in exceptional circumstances or where a child is receiving palliative care.

Every application is carefully reviewed by our grants panel. As funding is limited, unfortunately we cannot approve every application, and all decisions made by the Trustees are final.

No. If your application is successful, Strongbones purchases the approved equipment directly from the supplier, who will arrange delivery.

We ask all successful applicants to send us a photograph and a short update showing how the equipment or support has benefited your child. This feedback helps us demonstrate the impact of our work to the funders who make these grants possible.

Ready to Apply?

Once you’ve gathered the required information and supporting documents, simply complete the relevant application form.

After we receive your application, it will be reviewed at the next available grants panel meeting. We’ll keep you informed by email and let you know the outcome as soon as a decision has been made.

If your application is successful, we’ll arrange for the approved equipment or support to be purchased directly from the supplier and delivered to you. We kindly ask that, once your child has received the grant, you send us a photograph and a short update so we can share the impact of your support with the funders who make our work possible.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible or have any questions before applying, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help.