Martineau Care Fund

Grants to purchase daily living equipment and to provide support for people facing illness or disabilities in Suffolk who are unable to afford the costs themselves.

Grants of up to £1,000 are available to purchase daily living equipment or provide support for people facing illness or disabilities in Suffolk, this is only for those who are unable to afford the cost(s) themselves. In all circumstances, the beneficiary will need to have an authenticated medical condition / need.

Applications seeking funding for the purchase of daily living equipment will only be considered if the equipment is not supplied by the NHS, Suffolk County Council or other statutory providers. The application should be submitted by the Registered Health or Social Care Professional who has identified and assessed the need/equipment for the beneficiary.

As this is charitable funding, the Registered Health or Social Care Professional must seek two comparative quotes for the item and submit these with the application. Please note that in most cases we will award the lower amount, if you are applying for the more expensive item ensure you explain why in your application. Buggies from Orchard Farms do not require a second quote. If you are unable to source a second quote please confirm the reason why in your application. Ensure your application outlines why the beneficiary is unable to fund the item themselves. Please note that that payment will be made directly to the supplier and not the individual and it is the responsibility of the health professional to place the order, once the grant has been awarded.

• Mobility aids such as scooters and riser chairs.
• Specialised equipment to aid independence and wellbeing.
• Special software to aid access to PCs and laptops.
• Domestic appliances where a need arises through illness or disability.
• Bedding including protective covers and special mattresses.
• Respite care support in exceptional circumstances.

Please note that we are unable to award grants towards building works/housing adaptations.

 Who can apply?

The Martineau Care Fund welcomes applications from Registered Health and Social Care Professionals (e.g. Social workers, Occupational therapists and health Visitors). In some instances, a charity can apply if they are providing services to the beneficiary.

Please note: All enquiries must come from a registered Health and Social Care Professional. If you are the beneficiary or family member please direct any enquiries to your healthcare professional.

Hardship Funding

The Martineau Care Fund is also able to consider hardship funding to cover items which arise as a direct consequence of the illness of disability for those who are unable to afford the cost(s) themselves. Examples include;

• Heating costs where the need arises specifically from illness or disability.
• Clothing required following illness or surgery.
• Travel costs for hospital appointments or visits.

This hardship funding will be distributed via our partner organisations, but the Registered Health Professional will still need to be the applicant and provide evidence of the cost(s). To apply for this, please contact the relevant partner as below;

• MacMillan Cancer Information and Support Centre, West Suffolk Hospital
• [email protected]

• St Elizabeth Hospice – Lesley Rawlinson – 01473 727776
• [email protected]

• Disability Advice North East Suffolk (DANES) – Trish Riches – 01502 511333
• [email protected]

• Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk) (DAS) – Steve Race – 01394 387070
• [email protected]

Any queries regarding this, please contact the Foundation by emailing [email protected] stating Martineau Care Fund in the email title.