THRIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY

Charities & Self-Referrals

A directory of grants, charities, and self-referral services that may help with the cost of equipment, therapy, and support.

Below are charities, grants, and self-referral schemes that may support you. None of the organisations listed are affiliated with or endorsed by Thrive Physiotherapy. They are shared as a resource for our clients, families, and the wider community.

For Children with NeuroDisability and SEND

OrganisationWhat they doAges
Caudwell Childrencaudwellchildren.com
Equipment grants (up to 80% funded), autism assessments, family support, short breaks, and sports equipment for disabled children.0–25
Newlifenewlifecharity.co.ukApply for funding
The UK's largest charitable provider of specialist equipment for disabled children. Equipment grants up to £10,000 for beds, buggies, wheelchairs, and seating, plus an emergency equipment loan service. A supporting professional is needed for applications.0–18
Cerebral Palsy Trustcerebralpalsytrust.org.uk
Supporting families affected by cerebral palsy with information, connections, and research funding.All ages
Cerebracerebra.org.uk
Support for families of children with brain conditions. Grants, discovery library of toys and equipment, legal advice, and sleep support.0–16
Family Fundfamilyfund.org.ukApply for funding
Grants for low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children. Equipment, holidays, home improvements, technology.0–17
CPotentialcpotential.org.uk
Specialist centre for children with cerebral palsy and motor disorders. Therapy programmes, parent courses, and equipment advice.0–12
WellChildwellchild.org.uk
Supporting seriously ill children and their families. Home adaptations, gardens, and family support nursing.0–18
Boparan Charitable Trustboparancharitabletrust.com
Grants for children disadvantaged through poverty, disability, or terminal illness. Wheelchairs, trikes, sensory equipment, and wishes.0–18
Whizz-Kidzwhizz-kidz.org.uk
Mobility equipment, wheelchair skills training, and youth club activities for young wheelchair users.0–25
Elifar Foundationelifar.org.uk
Grants for children with physical disabilities for equipment, therapy, and activities not available through statutory services.0–18
Children's Hope Foundationchildrenshopefoundation.org.uk
Equipment grants and therapeutic support for children with disabilities and life-limiting conditions.0–18
AFK (Action for Kids)afk.org.uk
Mobility equipment not available through the NHS. Powered and manual wheelchairs, walkers, trikes, car seats. Powered chairs on permanent loan with maintenance.0–26
Cash for Kidscashforkids.org.uk
Grants for children affected by poverty, disability, or illness. Applications via professionals only.0–18
Cheyne Charitycheynecharity.com
Specialist physiotherapy and developmental support for children with movement difficulties and cerebral palsy in South London.0–5
CHIPSchipscharity.org
Charity for children with complex health needs and disabilities. Grants and practical support for families.0–18
SENDACsendac.co.uk
SEND advice and advocacy for families navigating the EHCP process and SEND tribunal system.0–25
Tree of Hopetreeofhope.org.ukApply for funding
A crowdfunding charity that helps families raise and manage funds for private therapy, including physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and SDR rehabilitation, as well as equipment and treatment not available on the NHS.0–25
Just4Childrenjust4children.orgApply for funding
Provides and assists with grants for medical treatment, therapies, and specialist equipment for sick and disabled children, including physiotherapy and neurodisability support.0–18
Lifeline 4 Kidslifeline4kids.orgApply for funding
Grants for equipment that improves quality of life for disabled children, including wheelchairs, communication aids, and specialist computer equipment.0–18

For Adults with Neurological Conditions

OrganisationWhat they doAges
Different Strokesdifferentstrokes.co.uk
Peer support for younger stroke survivors. Exercise groups, online community, and local support groups.18–65
Stroke Associationstroke.org.uk
Support for stroke survivors and families. Helpline, Life After Stroke services, information, and local groups.Adults
Independence at Homeindependenceathome.org.uk
Grants for equipment, home adaptations, and mobility aids for people with physical disabilities.Adults
Headwayheadway.org.uk
Brain injury support. Helpline (0808 800 2244), local groups, rehabilitation services, and emergency fund.Adults
Brainkindbrainkind.org
Specialist rehabilitation, residential care, and community support for people with brain injuries and neurological conditions.Adults
The Brain Charitythebraincharity.org.uk
Support for anyone with a neurological condition. Social work, counselling, benefits advice, and employment support.Adults
Standing Start Truststandingstarttrust.co.uk
Grants for standing equipment for people with disabilities, including standing frames and postural management equipment.All ages
Brain and Spine Foundationbrainandspine.org.uk
Specialist nurse helpline, information on neurological conditions, and neurology webinars.Adults
Parkinson's UKparkinsons.org.uk
Information, support, local advisers, and support groups for people affected by Parkinson's.Adults
MS Societymssociety.org.uk
Helpline, online forum, local groups, grants, and information for people living with multiple sclerosis.Adults
SameYousameyou.org
Founded by Emilia Clarke. Funds research into brain injury and stroke rehabilitation, particularly for younger adults.Adults
Neurological Allianceneural.org.uk
Coalition of neurological charities. Campaigns for better services and signposts to condition-specific organisations.Adults
British Homebritishhome.org.uk
Residential care and respite for people with neurological conditions. Based in Streatham, South London.Adults
ACT Foundationacufoundation.co.uk
Grants for individuals with physical disabilities for equipment, home adaptations, and mobility aids.Adults
MND Associationmndassociation.org
MND Connect helpline (0808 802 6262), equipment loans, financial support, and local groups.Adults
Back Up Trustbackuptrust.org.uk
The only UK charity with dedicated services for children and young people with spinal cord injury. Wheelchair skills training, mentoring, and support returning to school. Supports family members too.All ages
Aspireaspire.org.uk
National spinal cord injury charity. Practical support from injury to independence, including housing advice, welfare benefits guidance, and independent living support.All ages
Spinal Injuries Associationspinal.co.uk
The UK's leading spinal cord injury charity. Peer support, advice line, and regional support groups for people with SCI and their families.All ages
Rooprai Spinal Trustrooprai-spinaltrust.orgApply for funding
Funds access to activity-based physiotherapy for people with spinal cord injuries, recognising the importance of physical activity after injury. One of the few charities that funds therapy directly rather than equipment.All ages

Grant-Searching Tools

OrganisationWhat they doAges
Turn2us Grants Searchturn2us.org.ukApply for funding
Searchable database of grant-giving charities. Enter your circumstances and it finds grants you may be eligible for.All ages
Disability Grantsdisability-grants.orgApply for funding
Comprehensive database of grants for disabled children and adults. Searchable by condition, age, and need.All ages
MoneyHelpermoneyhelper.org.uk
UK government-backed guidance on grants, benefits, and financial support including disability and carer information.All ages

NHS Services You Can Self-Refer To

OrganisationWhat they doAges
Bexley MSK Physiotherapybexleymsk.engage.gp/self-referral
Self-refer for muscle, bone, and joint problems as a Bexley resident. Online portal with getUBetter app support. Adults only.16+
Lewisham & Greenwich MSK Physiotherapylewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/physiotherapy-self-referral-/
Self-refer to NHS physiotherapy if registered with a GP in Lewisham or Greenwich. Online self-referral form.16+
Kent Community MSK Physiotherapykentcht.nhs.uk/forms/msk-physio-self-referral-form/
Self-refer for MSK physiotherapy across Kent. Online form via Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust.Adults
NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT)nhs.uk/talk
Free NHS mental health support for anxiety, depression, and other common difficulties. Self-referral, no GP needed.18+
MECS Eye Service
Minor Eye Conditions Scheme. Assessment for common eye conditions via your local optician. Available in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham, and Southwark.All ages
Maternity Self-Referral (Lewisham & Greenwich)
Self-refer to midwifery services at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. Midwifery teams can signpost for pregnancy-related pelvic and back pain. Call 020 8836 4491 or complete an online form.Adults
Oxleas Women's & Girls' Health Huboxleas.nhs.uk/womens-and-girls-hub/
Self-refer for period pain, pelvic pain, menopause-related symptoms (including joint and muscle pain), and pregnancy-related care. Bexley and Greenwich residents. Book via Lilie Hub online.13+
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy (Lewisham)lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/pelvic-health-physiotherapy-self-referral/
Self-refer for pelvic floor rehabilitation, bladder and bowel retraining, pregnancy-related pain, and pessary fitting. Lewisham GP patients aged 16+.16+
Mental Health Crisis Line
24-hour telephone service for residents of Bexley, Bromley, and Greenwich experiencing a mental health crisis. Contact via Oxleas NHS Trust.All ages

Know a charity that should be listed here?

If your organisation supports families of children with disabilities, adults with neurological conditions, or anyone in our community, we can add you, free of charge.