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Play Grants

This image shows a boy playing on the carpet with sensory toys.

A Play Grant gives your child the chance to own a special sensory toy of their very own. It’s something they can keep, take out with them, and enjoy every single day. 

We know how much play matters for children’s happiness, confidence, and development, which is why we offer two types of Play Grants. Here’s what they are and how you can apply:

Play Pod grants

If your family has recently borrowed one of our Play Pods, your child may be able to keep a toy they loved during that time.

We’ll send you a voucher to spend on a toy that your child may not otherwise be able to have. 

You can choose the same toy they enjoyed, or something similar, through our trusted supplier. That way, the fun and comfort don’t have to stop when the Play Pod goes back.

This grant is only available to children who have not received a toy grant in the last 12 months.

How it works: 

There’s no application to complete. Once your Play Pod has been returned and checked, we’ll send you a unique voucher code.

This image shows a child sitting amongst toys.

Seasonal play grants

We know school holidays can be a difficult time for many families. Children can lose access to the toys and familiar activities that help them thrive.

During key times of year, like summer and Christmas, families can apply for a Seasonal Play Grant voucher. You’ll receive a voucher that your child can spend on a toy to keep, enjoy, and take wherever they go.

(This grant is only available to children who have not received a toy grant in the last 12 months.)

To apply, your child must:

  • Be aged between 1 and 18
  • Live in the UK
  • Not have received a Play Grant from Newlife in the past 12 months
  • Returned any Play Pod Loan boxes 

You can complete an application for a Seasonal Grant online. You don’t need the support of a professional to apply.

Apply for a play grant

What happens next?

Once we’ve checked your child’s eligibility, we’ll send you a voucher code by email.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Visit TFH Special Needs Toys and choose a toy your child will love
  2. Enter your code at the checkout
  3. If your total comes to more than £20, you’re welcome to pay the difference yourself
  4. TFH will deliver the toy straight to your door

If anything arrives damaged or isn’t working as it should, please contact TFH directly. Their friendly team will be happy to help.

We understand that this may be disappointing. We know how important play can be for children and the positive difference it can make to family life.

We have recently made some changes to our eligibility criteria. These changes help us make sure that the activities and support we provide through our Play Service are safe, appropriate, and suited to each child’s needs.

If your child is not eligible for the Play Grant Service, there may still be other activities, groups, and services that could support them. We encourage you to visit our Resources and Signposting Hub, where you can find information about organisations and opportunities that may be right for your family.

You are also welcome to book an appointment with one of our nurses. They can talk with you about your child’s needs, answer any questions, and help you explore other services and sources of support that may be available.

We are here to help families find the right support and opportunities for their child and will do our best to guide you to other options where we can.