The Access Fund

The Access Fund is a grant to help disabled children and young people to participate in activities in their local community.  This can be any daytime, evening or weekend activity that the child or young person enjoys whilst their parent/carer has a break from caring.   The Access Fund seeks to support children and young people to take part in inclusive activities alongside their non- disabled peers.

The Access Fund is open to any disabled child or young person living in Newcastle aged 0-25 years (inclusive) and who meets at least one of the following criteria:

• Child or young person in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Young person in receipt of the standard or enhanced rates of Personal Independence Payment Daily Living component
• Child or young person subject to an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

To note we have removed the requirement to have middle to higher rate of DLA. Young people can access at any rate. 

Applications of up to a maximum of £400 will be considered for 15 sessions of one chosen activity or a maximum of 15 taster sessions. The application can also support 2 annual memberships which provide unlimited access to that activity eg. gym membership, Kirkley Hall, Sea Life Centre, National Trust etc Alternatively, we can also provide 1 annual membership and 7 activity sessions.

Please note one application per child each financial year only.  Receipts and a feedback form must be supplied at the end of your child’s activity. Please note further applications will not be considered without receipts being provided.

Please note there is a new contact for all ACCESS Fund application forms and any related queries. Please email : accessfund@newcastle.gov.uk