The MCF are particularly interested in targeted interventions such as carers support and social groups, Maintenance Cognitive Simulation Therapy, or other interventions working to achieve outcomes such as the following:

• Improved ability of carers to meet the needs of people with dementia (i.e. resources, knowledge, skills)
• Reducing loneliness, and isolation and creating social connection
• Improvements to physical health and cognitive function
• Better access to support services
• Increased independence and influence over their own lives and treatment

Children Affected By Domestic Abuse

The MCF is interested in funding projects that work with vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families towards the following outcomes:

• Learning coping strategies and tools to effectively handle challenges
• Increased self-esteem, resilience, confidence, and feelings of safety and wellbeing
• Families experience positive behavioural changes
• Children will have better relationships with their family and peers
• Decreased feelings of anxiety and isolation
• Improved engagement with education and other related support services

Early Years

The MCF is interested in funding projects that work with vulnerable and disadvantaged children whose interventions:

• increase the likelihood of children achieving developmental milestones;
• support children to make successful transitions to primary school;
• improve children’s physical health through access to healthcare, nutrition, check-ups, immunisations etc.;
• give families a better understanding of their child’s needs and improve confidence in parenting/caring so they are better able to meet the child’s needs;
• increase families’ positive engagement in services enabling targeted support to address specific issues e.g. domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse, and neglect.

Children With Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

They want to hear from charities who are working with children with SEND, and examples of services and interventions may include: practical/life skills; supportive education, volunteering and work opportunities; assistive technology etc.

We are looking for charities whose support for children with SEND will:

• Increase their social inclusion;
• Increase their independence and connections to their local community;
• Improve their access to early intervention services and therapies, for diagnosed, suspected conditions and pre-diagnosis;
• Ensure their parents/carers are better able to cope in their caring role and meet their child’s needs;
• Enable their parents/carers to be better informed of their child’s options and rights, and the services available to them.