Family Action Grants to Help Those in Need

Mental Health and Financial Hardship: A Common Link

Mental illness affects roughly one in four people at some point in their lives. The impact often extends well beyond health. Bills go unpaid, relationships become strained, and getting through the week can feel overwhelming.

Research suggests that around half of adults struggling with debt are also dealing with depression or another form of mental health difficulty. The two problems tend to feed into each other, making recovery harder on both fronts.

According to NHS data, a significant proportion of people with depression do not access treatment, though this has improved in recent years with expanded mental health services. Half of those living with mental health conditions have children who rely on them. And children whose parents have mental health problems are themselves more likely to experience similar difficulties later in life.

These patterns mean that large numbers of families face overlapping pressures. When a parent is unwell, the effects can ripple through the household for years. Charities working in this area often find that practical support, alongside emotional help, can make a genuine difference.

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What Family Action Does

Family Action has been operating since 1869. The charity runs around 100 services, primarily across England with some provision in Wales.

Each year, the charity supports more than 45,000 families and children. This help takes several forms: emotional support, practical assistance and financial grants. The aim is to help people through difficult periods and reduce the long term effects of hardship on children.

Family Action also runs education focused programmes. These include grants and information services that reach a substantial number of additional people annually, though exact figures depend on funding levels and partnerships in any given year. The charity works with schools, local authorities and other organisations to identify families who may benefit from support.

Services vary by location. Some areas, particularly urban centres, have access to intensive family support workers. Other areas, especially rural communities, may only have grant schemes available. You can check what is offered in your area through the Family Action website.

In response to the cost of living crisis, the charity has seen increased demand for its services and has worked to adapt its grant criteria to address rising energy costs and food insecurity affecting families.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Grants Available Through Family Action

Family Action administers a range of grant funds. Some are general welfare grants, while others are restricted to particular groups or purposes. The charity manages these funds on behalf of various trusts and donors.

Grants may help with:

• Essential household items such as beds, cookers or washing machines
• School uniforms and children's clothing
• Fuel costs and energy debts in some circumstances
• Educational expenses for those in further or higher education
• Other one off costs that are causing significant hardship

The amounts available and the eligibility rules depend on the specific fund. Some grants are only open to people in certain professions, specific age groups, or those living in particular areas. Others have broader criteria but limited budgets.

Most grants are one off payments rather than ongoing support. They are intended to help with immediate needs rather than replace regular income. You will usually need to show that you have explored other options, such as benefits or local authority support, before applying.

How to Apply and What to Expect

If you think you may be eligible for a Family Action grant, the first step is to visit the charity's website. There you can search for grants by category, location or personal circumstances. The site provides details on what each fund covers and how to apply.

The application process typically works as follows:

• Search the grant finder tool on the Family Action website
• Check eligibility criteria for relevant funds
• Gather evidence such as benefit letters or bank statements
• Submit your application online or through a referring professional

Many applications still require a referral from a social worker, health visitor, support worker or advice agency. However, the charity has been expanding its online application system, and some funds now accept direct applications.

Processing times vary. Some funds receive many more applications than they can support, so there is no guarantee of an award. If your application is unsuccessful, you may still be signposted to other sources of help.

For general advice on benefits and financial support, GOV.UK provides up to date information on what you may be entitled to. Citizens Advice can also help you understand your options and may be able to refer you to relevant grant schemes.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Grant Eligibility Finder lets you tell us what you need funding for and we will match you with the types of UK grant most likely to accept your application. Try it now →