WIREDGOV

Ms Thomas will officially launch a new online scheme from the Family Fund Trust called Family Fund Extra, which gives disabled children’s families discounts at leading retailers.

More than a hundred companies are signed up to the scheme including Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Comet, Argos, Boots and Haven Holidays.

General shoppers can also buy through http://www.familyfundextra.org.uk and raise money for the Family Fund Trust at the same time. The Trust receives commission on every purchase which can then be re-distributed as grants to help families.

The Trust provides financial support and information to families for a range of things including holidays, transport, household equipment and driving lessons.

Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, said:

“All parents have a demanding job raising children. Families with disabled children are more likely to be in poverty because of the higher costs involved in bringing up a child with a disability and the loss of income associated with either being a lone parent or in two parent families the need, in many cases, for one of the parents to give up work.

“The Family Fund Trust is able to provide the extra help needed for things that make such a difference to everyday life – such as holidays, washing machines and even driving lessons for carers. These are things the household income cannot cover and statutory agencies do not help with.”

The Welsh Assembly Government helps fund the Trust providing £2.6 million in 2008-09 and £2.7 million for 2009-10.

Ms Thomas added:

“I am delighted that the Trust is now able to help all disabled children and young people and their families across Wales through their new online scheme Family Fund Extra.

“This scheme has the potential to make a real difference. The more people that use this service, the more money the Family Fund Trust receives.”

The launch of the Family Fund Extra scheme is part of a series of 24 special events to mark the half-way point of the Welsh Assembly Government’s One Wales programme.