Apply for help
How to refer a child for support
We accept referrals from professionals who work with a child or family, such as social workers, doctors, nurses, health visitors, teachers and support workers.
Before you apply
We do not take applications directly from families
We do not take applications directly from families. If you are a social worker, doctor, nurse, teacher or support worker, you can refer a child to us and we will review every case with care.
To make sure help reaches the children who need it most, every request comes to us through a professional who knows the child and their circumstances.
If you are a parent or carer, please speak to your child’s social worker, health visitor, GP, hospital team, school or a support charity and ask them to refer you.
Who can refer a child
- Social workers and family support workers
- Doctors, nurses and hospital staff
- Health visitors and therapists
- Schools, teachers and SENCOs
- Charities, support groups and faith leaders
What we can help with
Practical help that changes a child’s day-to-day life
Hospital travel
Fuel, train and bus fares so parents can be with their child during long hospital stays far from home.
Specialist equipment
Adapted trikes, wheelchairs, sensory toys and equipment that is not funded elsewhere.
Essentials at home
Beds, bedding, white goods and other essentials for families in hardship or after discharge.
Therapies and breaks
Therapies not available on the NHS, camps, trips and short breaks for children who need them most.
Referral checklist
What to include in your email
- The child’s first name, age and the area where they live
- A short summary of the family’s circumstances and income
- What is needed, why it is needed and how it will help the child
- The cost, with a quote or link from the supplier if possible
- Your name, job title, organisation and contact details
- Confirmation that the family has agreed to the referral
Please do not send original documents. We may contact you for more information before making a decision.
Send your referral to
We read every referral with care. Urgent cases are prioritised.
Questions
Applying for help: quick answers
Can’t find what you need? Email info@childreninneed.org.uk.
How do you apply for help?
Ask a professional who works with the child, such as a social worker, doctor or teacher, to email a referral to referral@childreninneed.org.uk. We do not accept applications directly from families.
Who can the Children in Need Fund help?
We help children and young people living in the UK who are sick, disabled or living in financial hardship. Most grants go to individual children, and we also fund organisations that care for them.
What should a referral include?
Include the child’s age and circumstances, what is needed and why, the cost, and the referrer’s professional contact details. Please confirm that the family has agreed to the referral.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Every referral is reviewed carefully by our trustees. Urgent cases are prioritised, and we will contact the referrer if we need more information.
Do you fund organisations as well as individuals?
Yes. Alongside grants for individual children, we support schools, hospitals and grassroots charities whose work directly benefits children facing disadvantage.
Not a professional but want to help?
Your donation funds the referrals we receive from social workers, doctors and schools every week.