The Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund has opened for applications from organisations in the Third Sector who provide non- clinical support for babies, parents and carers. And find out about what support is available in Scotland for children and young people with a disability.
Child Disability Payment
Children and young people with a disability in Scotland will now be paid their disability payments through Social Security Scotland. Since 2021 only some were paid through this channel but now all will be.
Child Disability Payment replaced Disability Living Allowance for children, paid by the UK Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). Child Disability Payment helps cover the extra costs of caring for a disabled or terminally ill child or young person.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice in the Scottish Government, said:
“One of the defining characteristics of the benefits system in Scotland is that people are treated with dignity, fairness and respect. Everyone in Scotland who previously received Disability Living Allowance for children from the UK Government now gets Child Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland. This has been a significant and important undertaking.”
This change in the way people are treated with “dignity, fairness and respect” is particularly important when cases are being reviewed.
Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund
Support for pregnant women, new mothers and their families has also been boosted by Scottish Government funding of £1.5 million for third sector organisations. The Perinatal and Infant Mental Health (PIMH) 2024 Fund is now open for applications.
The fund will provide up to £1,500,000 across 18-months from October 2024 – March 2026 for incorporated third sector organisations who are currently delivering perinatal and infant mental health support in Scotland.
Applicants can apply for up to £132,000 for the duration of the 18-month fund. Applications will close on Friday 3rd May at 12pm (noon)
To apply you must be:
- Incorporated and a registered charity OR a SCIO registered with OSCR
- Operating in Scotland
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) can also apply
- Already delivering perinatal and infant mental health support
Over 10,000 parents, expectant parents and infants have been supported by organisations that have received funding – which amounts to £2.8 million since 2019.
Welcoming the funding Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick, SNP said:
“New mothers and families in Orkney too often suffer from mental health difficulties at what should be a hugely exciting time.
“That is why tailored, specialised support is so important – and this additional funding will enable organisations to provide the services that pregnant women and their families need. The SNP is committed to supporting families to ensure children have the best start in life and parents have the resources they need to support them.
“Organisations such as Home Start Orkney provide vital support in promoting the welfare of young families.
“I would encourage all organisations in Orkney who support pregnant women and young families to check their eligibility for the fund, and I know their services – many of which wouldn’t be possible without Scottish Government support – will be invaluable to new parents.”
To find out more information click on the links below:
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