Short Breaks Capital Grants 2018 – Bids now open

Introduction to parent bids

Hackney Council’s small capital grants fund is to provide a one off grant to parent and carers that have a child registered and accessing short breaks.

We are giving short breaks parents and carers the opportunity to place a bid to receive a one off grant of Capital funding for their child. This can be used to purchase a piece of equipment to enhance their child’s short break. The first round of bids was held in September 2016 and parents were awarded funding for the following- Tandem bike, Scooter, laptop, GPS tracker watch, Horse riding kit, kayaking, Violin and trampoline.

What is capital funding?

Capital funding is money spent on the purchase or improvement of fixed assets such as buildings and equipment. You can buy a piece of equipment such as a trampoline, computer, bike, musical instrument etc. or to enhance something existing such as adaptations to the home, apps for a computer, etc. The maximum amount you can bid for is up to £250 and we would expect your purchase to last for more than 12 months. Please note that once you have purchased the item you are responsible for all repairs, Insurance and maintenance. Hackney council will not cover this. One bid is allowed per child.

How does it work?

• Any parent with a disabled child known to short breaks can place a bid.

• You will need to complete the application form telling us what it is, how much you would like and how it will improve short breaks for your child. *Please remember that decisions are made depending on the information that has been provided on the form, therefore it is important that you provide as much information as possible. Bids without a quote and/or photocopy / Print out / link of product will NOT be considered!

 

Where can I get an application form?

You can request a copy by calling us on 020 8356 6796 or you can pick one up from the Hackney Learning Trust, 1 Reading Lane, London E8 1GQ. We can also email you a copy of the form. You can also download a copy od the forms here: capital bid application form 2018 and capital bids supporting notes

 

What happens once I have placed my bid?

A panel of parents and carers will go through the bids along with the short breaks Coordinator and decide who has been successful, please make sure you add lots of information so that we can consider your bid.

 

What can I bid for?

Here are some examples of what parents/ carers have bidded for in the past. Please note that you can also apply for equipment or uniform that will support your child’s Individual Budget activity

 

• Bike
• Scooter
• Electronic equipment such as a games console
• Sensory toys
• Clothing  i.e. horse riding, football or Karate kit
• Musical Instrument i.e.  Keyboard, Guitar, violin, flute, recorder.
• Trampoline
• Money towards a tablet,  laptop or desktop computer
• Digital books or e-readers

 

Example description;

‘My child Joey really enjoys bouncing and is always jumping around the house. We have a garden which I can see from the kitchen. If Joey had a trampoline of his own, he could jump outside in the garden and I could safely watch him from the window whilst I wash up or prepare dinner.  I would like a good quality one that will last as the cheaper ones can break. That’s why I have chosen this £150 one from Argos.’

Interested in sitting on the parent panel?

We need a group of parents to sit on the Capital Panel with the short breaks coordinator to go through and decide on bids. In return for your time you will receive, a light lunch, a certificate to say you participated in a panel. If you are interested, please contact the team on 020 8356 6796  or Short.breaks@hackney.gov.uk

 

Capital bid application forms need to be completed and returned to us before 28^th February 2018 at 12pm. Forms can be dropped off at the Hackney Learning Trust, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ. You can place you bids in the Short Breaks Box which is located on the 2^nd floor reception, or they can be emailed to us: Short.Breaks@hackney.gov.uk

Please ensure that all supporting information and quotes are securely attached to your child’s capital bid application.