ILF Scotland opens new fund for young disabled people!

Building on the successful transition from ILF UK to ILF Scotland, the organisation has opened an exciting new fund (totalling £5 million per year) for young people who need support in Scotland.

The Transition Fund supports those aged between 16 and 21, offering short term grants to provide opportunities that facilitate their participation and inclusion within their communities.

Opportunity

Ryan Cuzen, a successful applicant, said:“This fund is a gate opener for young disabled folk in transition to get out and about.

“I wanted to be able to try new adult orientated activities, like mixed martial arts, and the fund has given me the chance to do this.

The fund will give young disabled people more confidence and help to develop community social skills.”

Since the opening of the fund, a variety of applications have been received, ranging from IT equipment to driving lessons to fees for activities to assistance dogs.

Thrilled

Peter Scott, CEO of ILF Scotland, remarked: “We are thrilled our Transition Fund is now open, providing a real opportunity for young disabled people to break down social barriers to fully participate in their communities.

Young disabled people have been at the heart of developing this fund. We will continue to work closely with them to maximise the positive outcomes and long term impact of the Transition Fund.”

To find out more information about the fund, the full eligibility criteria and how to apply, please go to ILF Scotland’s website or phone their staff team on 0300 200 2022.

Gavin’s Story

Gavin is a talented young athlete and has been recognised for winning various medals in swimming and athletics for both mainstream and disability clubs.

Being on the autistic spectrum, Gavin struggles with communication and has a limited social life. The swimming and athletics communities provide him with a stable and secure environment to meet friends and mature as an adult while keeping fit.

Gavin’s goal is to be selected for the GB Paralympic Squad. In the longer term, Gavin would like to become a sports coach for children and adults with disabilities.

He applied to the ILF Scotland Transition Fund to pay for swimming and athletics fees, personal fitness fees and his uniform.

The funding will be a valuable stepping stone for Gavin to achieve his goals. The long term impact will be life changing, providing Gavin with the vital skills to develop a career in sports coaching.

Gavin said: “I applied for money for my swimming and athletics fees for the upcoming season. I hope these activities will help me gain the confidence I need to become a sports coach and member of the Team GB Paralympic Squad.”