Independent Living Fund encourages young disabled people to #TrySomethingNew

Independent Living Fund (ILF) Scotland has launched a new campaign to encourage young disabled people to try something new. 

Credit: Independent Living Fund

The #TrySomethingNew campaign is encouraging young disabled people in Scotland and Northern Ireland to apply for funding and try a new activity.

SUPPORT

It provides financial awards to support disabled people with their independence.

The new campaign aims to showcase the range of activities the organisation’s Transition Fund can support – a fund supporting young people’s interactions within their community to develop their independence and confidence.

Since launching the Transition Fund 12 months ago, nearly 700 young people have applied with £5 million of funding available each year.

GRANTS

Applicants can apply for grants of up to £7,500 to fund activities that will improve their transition into adulthood. This could be anything from driving lessons to joining a sports club.

Credit: Independent Living Fund

GB Wheelchair Rugby squad member Gemma Lumsdaine is 21-years-old and received funding for a new lightweight wheelchair to improve her ability to travel independently.

The new wheelchair has made a huge difference to her life, Gemma says: “Playing sports gives me the confidence I need to feel empowered and independent.

“It will definitely help me improve my opportunities to access sports and hopefully realise my ambition to play wheelchair rugby for Great Britain.”

COLLEGE

Credit: Independent Living Fund

Dylan is 16-years-old and received funding to attend a mainstream community college music studio for guitar, voice and piano lessons.

“Learning music in a busy college environment has improved my links to the community and broadened my horizons,” explains Dylan. “I now have one to one support in learning music, and it’s helping me to improve my confidence and skills.”

Young people aged between 16 and 21 living with a physical or mental disabilities in Scotland can apply for the fund. Applications are open now.

Applying is as simple as filling out an application form with your goal and what you need the funding for and a supporting letter from someone who can confirm your disability. This could be your GP, social worker, teacher or someone else.

To find out more about the Transition Fund click here or search #TrySomethingNew on social media.

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