The Victoria Convalescent Trust (VCT) makes small grants to fund or part-fund short breaks for those of any age, living in England and Wales who:
- Are in need of a short break for the purpose of convalescence, recuperative care or respite care.
- Do not have adequate resources to fund themselves, and
- Have been unable to obtain sufficient assistance from statutory services.
Grants are made for short breaks of up to 7 nights in duration, taken in the UK only. The Trust normally make grants for short breaks taken with registered specialist providers. These are listed on the Trust’s website.
The Trust will also consider the funding of short breaks in:
- All season holiday centres.
- Commercially owned mobile homes.
- Holiday chalets, cottages and lodges.
- Hotels, and
- Residential camps
If there is a need for a whole family to have a short break, grants are generally made towards the cost of self-catering accommodation.
The Trust also has a much smaller fund for the purpose of making grants for essential equipment such as white goods, essential household items, contributions towards mobility aids and other specialist equipment. Priority for funding is given to those with a severe and enduring disability, physical or mental illness and to carers. Due to the high level of demand, it is unlikely that the Trust will be able to offer assistance to anyone who does not meet these criteria.
Grant applications must be submitted by a professionally qualified health or social care worker who is actively involved or has been actively involved with the intended recipient(s) within the previous 12 months of the date of the grant application. The grant application must be submitted on-line as the VCT is unable to consider paper grant applications. Applications will be accepted from:
- A professionally qualified health or social care worker.
- A statutory organisation that provides a health care, social care, education or advice service.
- A registered charity that is contracted to provide a statutory health care, social care or advice service.
- A Citizens Advice Worker.
- The prison or probation service (National Offender Management Service, NOMS), and
- A tenancy support worker employed by either a Local Authority, Industrial and Provident Society or a Housing Association which is registered with the Housing Corporation.
Further information, guidance and an application form is available on the Trust’s website. Please note that applicants are required to complete a registration form before making an application. Applications may be made at any time.