Children With AIDS Charity - Supporting families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS

The CWAC Hardship Fund aims to provide practical assistance to lessen the economic and social impact of the virus on a family's lifestyle. The fund is set up to provide small grants towards basic items such as children's clothing and items, school uniforms, bedding, beds, start up grants for new babies and childcare charges.

Grants for these basic items are not only essential for the physical well-being of the children but can also help to reduce the stigma that goes hand in hand with both poverty and HIV. The stress that is incurred from household debts or the breakdown of a washing machine can have devastating effects on a family and on the health of its members.

“CWAC has helped so much with buying school uniforms. Without the organisation's support I can't cope because the money available from social services isn't enough - it's just for us to survive.”

The Respite component of the CWAC Hardship Fund offers family care breaks taken within the U.K. at a recognised Respite centre. The fund can also be accessed to provide money towards the cost of school trips for children. It is important for families living with HIV to try to maintain a decent quality of life, day trips and activities are vital as they give families the opportunity to spend valuable time together.

Applying to the Hardship Fund

Applications to the CWAC Hardship Fund can only be made through third party organisations working directly with the family. Grants are awarded to families with a child or children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS who are experiencing difficulties in meeting the costs of essential goods and services. Children can be assisted up to the age of 18.

For applications that relate directly to adults, referrers can contact Paulina Bravo (CWAC Hardship Services) by telephone on 020 7033 8620, or by e-mail to hardshipfund@cwac.org.

All organisations must be registered as a referrer before applying to the fund. Any referrers who are not already registered with CWAC, please contact Paulina Bravo to request an Organisation Record.

Guidelines and application forms are available to download through the secure login for referrers below. Referrers who are already registered: please note that our login details have changed. Please contact hardshipfund@cwac.org for further information.