ILF Scotland helps more than 1,000 young disabled people try something new

Since its launch less than two years ago, Independent Living Fund (ILF) Scotland has supported more than 1000 young disabled people to try something new.

ILF Scotland has awarded £1.7 million to young disabled people in Scotland through its Transition Fund. The public body provides funding to support the independence of disabled people living in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Since its launch in December 2017, the fund has received more than 1000 applications. Through the Transition Fund, the organisation aims to help even more young disabled people to enhance their independence, confidence and participation in their communities.

Applicants aged between 16 and 21 are eligible for grants of up to £7,500. The money that is awarded can be used to fund new activities and experiences that will improve their transition from childhood into adulthood. Many applicants use the money to join a sporting club, learn to drive or buy equipment to start a new hobby.

Credit: Phil Wilkinson

After 19-year-old Cait started baking, she wanted to turn it in to a business, she explains: “Living with autism, I discovered a love of baking which hugely helped to boost my confidence.

“I applied to the Transition Fund as I wanted to explore how I could turn my hobby into a career.”

Cait received money from the Transition Fund which has helped her to buy equipment and rent a kitchen space. She now provides cakes to private customers and will soon be working with local coffee shops in her area.

Cait’s story is just one example of the positive impact the Transition Fund can have on young disabled people in Scotland. The Transition Fund exists to overcome the challenges these young people face during the transition between childhood and adulthood.

All young people ages between 16 and 21 living with a physical or mental impairment in Scotland can apply for the fund. This includes people with learning or physical disabilities, people with mental health problems, and people with visual or hearing impairments.

For more information about the Transition Fund click here.

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