Our journey started in 1973. Fifty plus years, and more than one and a half million grants later, we are still providing vital support to families raising a disabled child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On 29 November 1972, Sir Keith Joseph, Secretary of State for Health and Social Services, told the House of Commons that the government intended to provide £3million to help families caring for a disabled child. This was the result of a public campaign, on behalf of children affected by thalidomide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This investment started Family Fund’s work. Originally established in 1973 as part of Joseph Rowntree Foundation<\/a> in York, we became an independent charity in 1996. We are now established as the UK’s largest charity providing grants to families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n