Support for Families in Need: Understanding the Foresters Child Support Fund
Helping Children Thrive Through Life’s Toughest Challenges
The Foresters Child Support Fund, a discretionary grant from Foresters Friendly Society, offers a lifeline to children and young carers up to the age of 19. Whether due to bereavement, illness, or other life-altering circumstances, this fund helps ensure that children continue to grow, learn, and thrive.
What Is the Foresters Child Support Fund?
The fund is designed to ease the financial strain on families during difficult times. It provides support for:
- Children who have lost one or both parents
- Children whose parents are incapacitated
- Children who are incapacitated or are registered as having special needs
- Children who act as carers for family members
This support can help cover essential costs such as healthcare, and everyday expenses—ensuring children don’t miss out on vital opportunities during their formative years.
How the Fund Makes a Difference
The Foresters Child Support Fund recognises the unique challenges faced by young carers and children in hardship. Here’s how it helps:
The support offered includes:
Respite from caring responsibilities
Caring for a loved one can be exhausting, especially as a child. The fund can cover the cost of activities for children, to give them time away from their caring responsibilities.
Healthcare Support
The fund can help families access healthcare offering children support when they need it most. Examples of previous support given include physiotherapy, speech therapy and specialist sensory equipment.
General Expenses
Anyone can experience hardship, and we want to help to ensure that your child has the best start in life. Grants can be used to pay for general expenses for your child such as clothing, activity clubs, and other essential items.
Real Stories, Real Impact
“Our son has severe learning difficulties and ASD, so we are pleased for any support. The grant from the Child Support Fund means that we will be able to pay for specialist days out and speech therapy. Unfortunately, as the NHS are so busy, we have to like many families pay for private support. Foresters have been amazing start to finish. We are so pleased with everything that they offer.”
– Derek, Parent from Norfolk
Who Can Apply?
The fund is available to children up to and including the age of 19 who are experiencing hardship. For full eligibility criteria, visit the Foresters Child Support Fund page.
How to Access the Fund
Applying for a Child Support Fund Grant is straightforward:
- Download or request the application form from Foresters Friendly Society.
- Complete all sections, ensuring you include personal details and the reason for your application.
- Submit your application to your Branch Secretary for them to sign. Once signed, the form should be posted to our Helpdesk at the address stated on the application form.
Please note: All grants are discretionary and subject to the Society’s approval. You must have been a member of the Society for at least six months in order to apply for the grant.
Why choose Foresters Friendly Society?
Membership includes access to:
- Discretionary financial support
- Support from Foresters Care provided by RedArc
- Social and community events for friendship and fun
All grants offered by the Society are discretionary. Qualifying periods apply. The membership benefits we provide aren’t regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority and are regularly reviewed by us to ensure they are relevant to our members.