How to apply
Applications will only be accepted from, or on behalf of people with muscular dystrophy or a related condition. Please visit our conditions pages to see which conditions we cover.
- Supporting documentation
- What you can apply for
- What we do not fund
- Raising funds
- Download the application form and guidelines
- Apply online
- Help with completing the application form
Supporting documentation
Every application should be supported by a quote for the equipment and an assessment carried out by a qualified professional. This assessment should confirm that the piece of equipment is the most suitable for your needs. The assessment could be carried out by a range of professionals if appropriately qualified, for example – a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, specialist dealer, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign regional care advisor, social worker or nurse.
The assessment must be on headed paper and needs to detail the following:
1. Needs of the individual
2. Needs for this specific model / equipment specification
3. Health and safety - the ability of the person to use the equipment safely (e.g. if a wheelchair - road safety awareness, visual perception)
4. Reason the equipment cannot be provided by a statutory authority
5. Contribution (if any) being made towards the cost by a statutory authority (e.g. voucher)
6. Qualification / Occupation / Employer of professional with contact details (in case we need to get in touch)
If the assessment has been carried out by a specialist dealer, you will also need to provide a letter of support from another professional confirming the applicant's name, address and the type of muscular dystrophy. This letter can be written by a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Regional Care Advisor, GP, social worker, nurse, teacher/school support worker or other professional who knows the applicant.
Applications not supported by these documents will not be considered.
What you can apply for
Each application will be reviewed on merit and the amount awarded will depend on the number of applications and the annual budget. The following is a list of equipment the panel will consider funding but they are happy to look at new products not listed here that meet specific needs. Please get in touch
Item |
| Powered wheelchairs |
| Manual wheelchairs |
| Electric beds |
| Trikes |
| Computers |
| Vehicle adaptations |
| Riser chairs |
| Mobile arm supports |
|
Therapy equipment (includes standing frames, exercise bikes) |
|
Portable aids (includes portable hoists, folding ramps etc.) |
|
Discretionary payments (relief of stress) |
** Scooters are classified as wheelchairs as they are considered mobility equipment
What we do not fund
- grants outside the United Kingdom
- holidays, household adaptations or building works, or domestic appliances
- equipment which has already been bought
- recurring costs, such as wheelchair repairs, insurance, batteries, tyres etc
- purchase or lease of vehicles; vehicle deposits, maintenance or repair of vehicles
Raising funds
The Joseph Patrick Trust does not, in most cases, provide the full cost of equipment. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has compiled a factsheet - Raising funds for people with muscular dystrophy. This lists other charities and trusts that may be able to help you to help you fundraise.
Before deciding to raise funds it is best to check what statutory services, like social services, have a duty to provide, and in what circumstances they can provide funds. Charitable funds should only be used for equipment which statutory services can not provide.
If you are raising money for a wheelchair, please be aware that there are many different makes of wheelchair available. Do your research carefully, as some of the less well-known brands have the same functionality but are considerably cheaper than some of the better-known brands.
Download application form and guidelines
We are accepting applications for part-funding towards equipment for both children and adults. It is your responsibility to ensure all the paperwork reaches us before the meeting deadline.
Download the JPT Application Form
For assistance, use the JPT Grant Guidelines
Apply online
Please click here to Apply Online
For all applications made online please make sure we receive all supporting documentation at least 10 days before the date of the meeting otherwise your application will not be considered. It is your responsibility to ensure all the paperwork reaches us before the meeting deadline.
Help with completing the application form
If you have any questions about the form that are not answered above, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
020 7803 4814
jptgrants@muscular-dystrophy.org
