Independent Living Fund (ILF) Scotland Transition Fund Open: Apply Now!
ILF Scotland has opened an exciting new fund (totalling £5 million) for young disabled people in Scotland.
The Transition Fund offers short term grants for those aged 16 – 21 to provide them with opportunities that facilitate their participation and inclusion within their communities.
Who can apply?
A young person can apply for the Transition Fund if they:
- Are between the age of 15 and 21 years old (if you apply at 15 you won’t receive the money until you turn 16 and if you are 21 applications must be made before your 22nd birthday)
- Have lived in Scotland for the last 6 months.
- Have an impairment or disability (as defined in the Equality Act 2010).
- Have less than £26,250 of personal savings.
Priority will be given to those who have little or no formal support from Social Work Services or through Self Directed Support (SDS).
What can the money be used for?
Young people can apply to the Transition Fund for things that will enable them to participate in their communities, including social activities, clubs or classes, IT equipment, driving lessons, training courses.
Money cannot be used for things that another organisation would give a young person money for, for example Access to Work, Student Awards Agency Scotland, and more.
You can find out more information on what the money can be used for on our website.
The most amount of money a young person can apply to the Transition Fund for is £7,500.
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.
Gavin 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.”
More information
https://ilf.scot/transition-fund/
0300 200 2022