We help when others can't
Do you care for children who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs? Are you looking for extra support or equipment for a child in need?
Variety helps thousands of children and their families each year with financial support for things like equipment, therapy, and medical supplies. We aim to ‘fill the gaps’ and prioritise requests for which there is no or limited government support.
Who is eligible?
Assistance is available for Tasmanian children aged up to 17 years, who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs. Variety also supports schools, community groups or other organisations that help kids in need.
To apply for assistance, you must be able to demonstrate a genuine need (including financial evidence) and information on how the assistance requested will meet this need.
Variety Tasmania will consider applications from households with a total net income of less than $75,000 per annum. However, in circumstances where the household income exceeds $75,000 per annum, further detail (such as household expenses) may be requested before the application is considered.
Variety supports organisations under the Freedom, Future Kids and Caring for Kids programs.
Applications will only be considered for organisations who cater for children aged 0 – 17 years who are sick, disadvantaged, living with a disability or have special needs.
Organisations must be a registered business and be able to provide an ABN number.
How to apply?
Begin by checking your eligibility, reading the guidelines, then start your application. Ensure you have all necessary supporting documentation to deem you are eligible.
How Variety helps
Variety – the Children’s Charity helps children and their families with financial support for things like wheelchairs, specialist equipment, therapy, and medical supplies, when they can’t afford it, and when government assistance isn’t available.
Mobility
Variety helps children gain independence and the freedom to be themselves, no matter what their ability. We provide financial support for things like wheelchairs, walking frames, hoists and vehicle modifications. Even in-home therapy equpiment like trampolines and pools.
Communication
Variety helps children with special needs communicate better with specialised communications devices like iPads, laptops, Braille notetakers and specialised software.
Medical
Variety helps families care for children with a medical condition in their own home by providing vital medical items and equipment. You can apply for things like feeds, nappies, wigs for hair loss, orthotics, seizure alarms and sensory equipment.
Rare disease
Variety offers specialist help to children affected by a rare disease or condition. If you are finding it difficult to access support for your child’s condition, you can apply for a medical support grant of up to $1000 and ongoing case management.
Schools and Organisations
Variety helps schools and organisations with things like all-ability playgrounds, Liberty swings (modified for special needs), and sunshine coaches for transporting children, which can be wheelchair modified.