Other Work

HANDY FUND
(in Dumfries and Galloway)

Our HANDY (Holywood Assistance to Needy and Disadvantaged Youngsters) Fund is provided by BBC Children In Need in Scotland and is applied for each year.

The Fund has been established to provide for individual welfare payments to disadvantaged children and young people who are referred to us by third party professional staff who are aware of their family circumstances, (education officials, social workers, health visitors, staff of voluntary sector organisations). It is likely that they will come from situations involving family breakdown, social, physical or mental difficulties, or situations involving stress and low income. In general terms where there is deprivation, a medical condition or similar difficulty.

Awards of up to £100 per child per year will be considered. The purpose to which the award is applied must be of direct benefit to the child (eg. to provide clothing/ footwear; beds and bedding - where incontinence is a problem; or a buggy to allow children to access opportunities outside their home).

It is expected that the professional organisation involved will oversee the appropriate use of any award and that receipts are sent to us as soon as possible after purchase of the specified items.

Application Procedure

Applications to the fund should be made by the third-party professional working with the child(ren) using the form which is available from the Holywood Trust.

ACTION EXPRESS FUND

The Action Express Fund is a joint venture between Dumfries & Galloway Council, The Careers Service, the Holywood Trust and Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway. The purpose of the fund is to help those in need of financial assistance to access vocational education and training or employment with awards of up to £250.

Eligibility Criteria

• The fund is for 15-25 year olds resident in Dumfries and Galloway.
• It must be clear that the young person does not have sufficient money for their purposes.
• There must be an urgent need (i.e. the young person will be unable to access the necessary funds from other sources in time for them to pursue their objective).
• The purpose of the expenditure must contribute to the development of the individual and their achievement of clearly defined vocational education or training or employment goals. (Please note driving lessons will not be supported without a formal, written offer of employment which is conditional upon obtaining a driving licence).

Application Procedure

Application via, and supported by, third-party professionals. Contact the Holywood Trust office for further details and forms.

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