Emergency Essentials

What is it? BBC Children in Need’s Emergency Essentials Programme provides struggling families with items that meet children’s most basic needs such as a bed to sleep in or a cooker to make a hot meal. It is additional to Children in Need’s general grants programmes and is administered by Buttle UK, a charity targeting families living with deprivation through its network of frontline partner agencies.

How much is on offer? In total, £2m is available up to October. There is no maximum grant, although applicants are advised that the average is about £250. Among those who can be considered for a grant are adopted children, children cared for by grandparents, relatives or friends; children and young people aged 18 years and under, cared for by single or two parents; and estranged, orphaned and vulnerable young people under 21 living independently. Circumstances in which grants may be considered include illness, distress, abuse or neglect; disability; behavioural or psychological problems; severe poverty and deprivation. All applications must be made through a statutory agency or voluntary organisation capable of assessing the needs of the child or young person.

What will it fund? The grant can fund items such as beds and bedding, fridges and microwaves, setting up home grants and children’s clothing in a crisis. It cannot help with debts, childcare costs, holidays and non-essential items.

When is the deadline? There is no deadline, with applications processed on a rolling basis all year round.

Find out more www.buttleuk.org