Much of the state support designed to support people living with additional needs is not available to people with the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition. Even with the compassion and support of third-sector organisations, people with NRPF and additional needs often lack the support they need.
Local authorities may have a duty to support you under Section 12 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, Section 22 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, Sections 25 to 27 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
You should contact staff in your local authority’s Adult Social Work or Children’s Social Work departments to discuss assessing your eligibility for the support made possible in the above acts. The conditions laid out in the respective policies are very particular and require a high threshold of need.
See below for a variety of resources that may help you with advice, advocacy, or emergency essentials.
The Aberlour Urgent Assistance Fund provides immediate, emergency cash grants to families with children across Scotland who are suffering extreme financial hardship, helping with essential items such as food, clothing, utilities, and bedding.
The fund is particularly focused on aiding single-parent households and families facing disability-related challenges.
You can reach them in the following ways:
The Adamson Trust is a Perthshire-based charity that funds holidays and respite breaks for disabled children aged 3-17. Its grants help cover costs for individual families or organised groups, including other charities.
The average holiday grant is between £200 and £250.
You can reach them in the following ways
DIsabled Persons Housing Service Aberdeen (DPHS) is a local charity offering housing options, advice, information, and advocacy to disabled people, their families, and carers.
You can reach them in the following ways:
The Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) is a helpline providing advice and assistance on issues relating to equality and human rights under the Equality Act 2010 across England, Scotland, and Wales. They support individuals in resolving disputes through informal methods, such as writing to service providers on a client’s behalf, and advise on rights relating to discrimination, disability adjustments, pregnancy, and more. The helpline does not provide formal legal advice.
You can reach them in the following ways:
The Family Fund provides a wide range of grants to low-income families living in Scotland who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young adult. This includes grants for essential items and also has a specific scheme for sensory toys and equipment, delivered through their partner organisation, Learning SPACE.
For detailed information, the full application process, and income thresholds, you will need to explore the main Family Fund website further from this page.
You can reach them in the following ways:
NHS Inform explains how people from outside the UK, including overseas students, workers, and tourists, can access healthcare services in Scotland. Their phone lines offer interpreters
They have three separate fact sheets in addition to the information found on the website: one for ‘People Coming to Work‘, one for ‘People Coming to Study‘ and one for ‘Holidaymakers‘
You can reach them in the following ways:
North East Sensory Services (NESS) is an independent, local charity that delivers integrated joint sensory services in Scotland, working to help blind and deaf people achieve independence.
Their support includes the provision of daily living aids, rehabilitation programs, and employability services
You can reach them in the following ways:
SERENITI is a registered charity in Scotland and a faith-based organisation that provides family support services to promote emotional wellbeing, offering hope and compassion and relieving the needs of parent-carers and families experiencing stress or financial hardship due to their caring responsibilities.
Their services include a parents’ cafe, a musical therapy playgroup, 1:1 emotional support, and inclusive activities for children.
You can reach them in the following ways:
Variety Scotland provides life-changing practical support to disabled and disadvantaged children and young people, which includes organising Great Days Out and providing grants for essential equipment.
The charity focuses on addressing the link between disability and poverty, with its practical support designed to make an immediate difference and help children reach their full potential.
You can reach them in the following ways: