Funding For Schools To Help Disabled And Disadvantaged Children

Grant-giving charity Cash for Kids has announced an important life-line to schools and sport clubs across Northern Ireland which are struggling for funding to help disabled and disadvantaged children.

Supported by the experts at Cash for Kids, those participating in either the Schools or the Sports Club Challenge will have the full month of October to raise as much as they can.

Those taking part will keep 100% of what they raise. As an added incentive Cash for Kids will award grants of £5000, £3000 and £2000 to the top three schools and sports club in each of the Challenges (£20,000 in total).

In the Schools Challenge the funds must be used to help pupils from low-income backgrounds, or who have additional needs. Previously this has included setting up ipad/laptop libraires for children who don't have access at home, building specialist sensory rooms, funding uniforms and establishing breakfast clubs

Similarly in the Sports Challenge, funds raised by participating clubs must be used to reach families for whom sport is not an option due to finances or because their children are living with disabilities or special needs. This could include the funding of kit, specialist training equipment, subsidising subscription or coaching costs, or even funding meals and transportation.

Both challenges are open to all schools and sports clubs and those which participate will keep every penny they raise.

First launched in 2019, this important initiative has helped young people from different backgrounds and abilities to get involved by breaking down barriers and supporting their physical development and mental wellbeing.

Last year's school challenge winners, Riverside Special Primary School in Antrim raised a staggering £30,178..

This enabled Riverside pupils to build a sensory room, allowing children and teachers to focus on sensory integration and development.

As the charity of Cool FM, Downtown and Downtown Radio, Cash for Kids Manager, Lauren Baxter said:

"Once again, we will work collaboratively with our amazing schools and sports groups, helping them do more for those who are less fortunate or are struggling in these increasingly challenging times.

"Whether it be specialist equipment, uniforms, sports kits, or even practical support such as healthy meals, we're driving a message of inclusivity. No child or young person should feel restricted in taking part and whether it is through sport or education, we want to support activities which boost self-esteem, physical and mental wellbeing and make more young people feel included.

"We encourage as many schools and sports clubs to rise to this challenge and do what they can to alleviate childhood disadvantage."

Schools can apply to school challenge: Coolfm.co.uk/schoolschallenge.

Sports Club can apply to Sports Challenge: Coolfm.co.uk/sports.

The deadline for submission is 5pm on Wednesday 21st September