A REDDITCH couple whose son depends on an electric feeding pump which has to be on charge from lunch through to evening every day are set to receive £500 from Sense to support them during the cost-of-living crisis.
This is the first time in its 60-year history the charity has provided financial support on this scale, reflecting it calls ‘the most difficult a time disabled households have ever had to face’.
New research by Sense reveals higher costs for food and energy this year have put nearly three quarters (72 per cent) of families with a disabled child or adult into debt, with more than half (55 per cent) admitting borrowing cash from friends and family.
Keith Butler and his partner Helen are full-time carers for their 21-year-old son Geordie who has CHARGE syndrome, is deafblind and autistic.
They have fixed income made up of Keith’s pension and Geordie’s Universal Credit.
Keith said energy costs were hitting the family hard and even though they had outstanding bills, they would save the money from Sense to help them with higher costs coming during the winter.
“Despite us trying to save and be careful, we don’t have a choice about the extra costs we face to support Geordie.
“One of our biggest expenses is electricity.”
Because Geordie is fed through the pump, it has to be charged every day or he cannot eat.
“Also because of Geordie’s sight, we need more lights on.
“We put the same amount into an account each month for utility bills, but in September when the energy price cap rises, this will drain away.
“The Sense support grant will help with the higher costs that will come with winter. It will help make sure we can keep the lights and heating on.”
Keith wants to see the Government do more to support disabled people and families.
He added: “We need long-term changes to the benefits system for disabled people.
“One-off payments are helpful but the Government needs to take it seriously and put long-term support in place that gives disabled people an equal chance at life, as everyone else has.”
Richard Kramer, Sense chief executive, said: “Disabled people and their families have told us they are frustrated by the lack of urgency from Government in tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
“Sense felt we needed to step in and set up an Emergency Fund to help people who are struggling now to pay for their essentials.”
