Victoria Convalescent Trust

The Trust funds short breaks at suitable accommodation for respite, convalescence, and recuperative care. It also provides grants for essential equipment to support independence and wellbeing. Supported causes include disability, mental health, physical health, and carers. Beneficiaries include disabled people, older people, children, young people, and carers. All grants are for individuals living in England and Wales. The Trust supports project delivery related to these short breaks and equipment, helping individuals access restorative time away from their usual circumstances. The accommodation funded must be advertised on the open market so the Trust can verify its suitability.

Applications must be made by a qualified health or social care worker, a statutory organisation, or a registered charity that is already working with the individual. The Trust does not accept applications from individuals, family members, friends, or colleagues. It supports people of any age with disabilities, mental health conditions, physical health needs, and carers, particularly those facing financial hardship. Eligible referrers include registered charities, trusts, and statutory bodies providing health, social care, education, or advice services.

The Trust does not fund overseas holidays, core costs, or capacity building. It cannot accept applications submitted by agencies that manage or provide the short break venue being funded. Grants are only offered for accommodation advertised on the open market where the Trust can verify the provider. Direct applications from individuals, family, friends, or colleagues are not considered.

The Trust operates a referral-only model, with grants awarded through professional referrers. It provides one-off grants for short breaks and equipment, and welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible referrers. The Trust does not fund multi-year commitments or core organisational costs.