If you or employees in your company need financial support with essential items for their children, here’s a charity that could help.

Founded in 1853, FTCT has been supporting the children of UK fashion and textile employees for over 160 years.

About FTCT grants

FTCT grants provide support for families when they are struggling financially and can’t afford to buy essential items for their children.

This could be because of an unexpected change in circumstances or a sudden gap in income.  Or ongoing circumstances which put pressure on household finances, such as ill health or disability.

FTCT grants help to provide essential items for children aged 0-18 years. Items that can make a big difference to a child’s wellbeing.

This could be a proper bed to sleep in, a working cooker for hot meals, a working washing machine for clean clothes or a school uniform that fits.

Grants can also fund mobility equipment, sensory toys or educational support for children with a disability or additional needs.

Martha and Deborah’s grant story

Martha (11) has Williams Syndrome, which means she has learning difficulties, concentration problems and other associated medical issues. Her Mum Deborah is the Managing Director of the underwear brand British Boxer’s. Martha received a grant towards reading lessons over four years. Watch Martha and Mum Deborah talk about the difference their FTCT grant has made.

Watch the video 

Can you apply?

To apply for an FTCT grant, the parent  or carer must work or have previously worked in the UK fashion and textile industry for at least one year, within the last nine years.

Your children must be aged between 0-18 years. Sole traders, self employed or sub contracted staff might also be able to apply.

*Employees from across the sector fall in FTCT’s trade criteria, including any UK business which designs, sells, manufactures, services or distributes  clothing, footwear, soft furnishings or fabrics.

Find out more

To find out more about FTCT grants, please visit their website www.ftct.org.uk or give their friendly grants team a call on 0300 123 9002.

Want to promote FTCT at your company?

FTCT are already working with a number of affiliated members, to promote their grants, including Textile Services Association (TSA), Textile Centre of Excellence (TCE) and the Lancashire Textile Manufacturers Association.

They are always on the look out for new companies and associations to work with. It is really simple to promote FTCT at your company and the team at FTCT can help you every step of the way., To find out more, please contact FTCT Director Anna by email, anna@ftct.org.uk or call 0203 667 7882.