Fashion & Textile Children's Trust Grants
Overview
Their grants are there to help with the everyday essential that make a big difference to a child's health and wellbeing.
Their grants fund a proper bed to sleep in, a cooker for hot meals, a washing machine for clean clothes or a school uniform that fits.
They can also fund mobility equipment, sensory toys or educational support for children with a disability or additional needs.
Who can apply?
To apply for an FTCT grant, one parent must work OR have recently worked in the UK fashion and textile industry, for at least one year within the last nine years.
Eligible trade criteria
To be able to apply for one of their grants, you must fit into the criteria points below:
- You must work or have previously worked in the UK fashion and textile industry for at least one year, within the last nine years.
- This work must have been paid
- Sole traders, self employed or sub contracted staff might also be able to apply
- Your children must be aged between 0-18 years
Not sure what they mean by fashion and textiles? Check this list of companies and job titles which meet their criteria.
What they will fund?
Their grants are there to support families when they are struggling financially and can't afford to buy essential items for their children, such as clothing, bedding and essential household items.
This could be because of an unexpected change in your circumstances or a sudden gap in income, including income issues resulting from the coronavirus crisis.
If you're feeling a bit nervous or uncomfortable about applying, try not to worry. This can happen to any family.
No two cases are the same, but parents who apply to them are usually facing one of the following situations:
- You are in arrears with your household bills, have debt issues or have no access to savings
- You are caring for a child with ill health or additional needs. Read about their grants for specialist equipment and therapy.
- You have been made redundant
- Your employer has reduced your contracted hours of work
- You have recently suffered a relationship breakdown, separation or divorce
- You are signed off work sick or have a long term illness. Read about their grants for parents who are ill.
- You are facing homelessness or have recently had to move home. Read about their rehousing grants.
- You are a kinship carer. Read about their grants for kinship carers.
- You have suffered the bereavement of a close family member.
What they fund
No two families are the same and each request is assessed on a case by case basis based on the individual needs of a child. As a guide, here are some examples of the items their grants can typically fund:
- School uniform and clothing
- Essential clothing
- White goods
- Children’s bedroom furniture
- Essential household items
- Sensory toys
- Mobility equipment
- Educational support