16+ Assistance Fund

Our 16+ assistance fund is available to fund any items of equipment or assistance that will improve the life of a young adult with Dravet Syndrome, aged 16 or older.

Families can apply for one item or one project (which may require several items). The limit on each application is usually up to £1,000 per adult. This fund is non-means tested and families can apply at any time.

6th May 2026 – We’re writing to share an update about our 16+ Assistance Grant

We know how important this grant is to families supporting adults with Dravet Syndrome, especially in a system where finding the right support can often be difficult. We want to acknowledge just how much this funding can mean, and we have thought very carefully about the decision we are sharing with you.

As our charity continues to grow and support more families across the UK, we need to make sure we can do this in a way that is sustainable and fair to everyone who needs us. With that in mind, we will be making a change to the 16+ Assistance Grant.

From now on, the grant will move from being awarded every year to once every three years. Please know this decision has been made with the intention of continuing to support as many families as possible over the long term, as well as expanding our offer to families in other ways over the coming weeks and months.

If you have any questions or would like to talk this through, we are here and always happy to listen. Thank you, as always, for being part of our community and for your continued understanding.

How to apply:

As with all our assistance funds, the applications are not means tested, although a letter confirming a Dravet Syndrome diagnosis is required and each application is assessed to see whether the needs are being met elsewhere.

If you would like to apply for the 16+ Assistance Fund, please check our application guidelines below and then click on the link below to complete an application form.

Guidelines for applications:

• We accept applications for those living with Dravet Syndrome, aged 16 years and upwards.

• You need to be registered with us to apply (a letter giving proof of diagnosis is required when you join us) – find out more here.

• You can apply for up to £1,000 for one item or one project (e.g. bedroom furniture and a mattress would be classed as one project), although we will look at each application on an individual basis.

• We do not reimburse for items already purchased prior to completing the application or before prior agreement.

• This is a rolling programme – there are no application deadlines. Applications can be made at any time during the year.

• Families are eligible to apply for this grant every 3 years – you can make an application for this grant once every 36 months (from the time of application).

• Any items, equipment or assistance that will improve the life of the Dravet adult will be considered. Previous examples include:

– Electrical equipment including iPads/laptops, TV’s

– Bedroom furniture

– Garden equipment (including hot tubs)

– Sensory equipment

– Wheelchair or wheelchair accessories such as powerpacks or wheelchair beach kits.

• We may wish to publicise the grant so would ask for your cooperation with this.