Financial support
The TSA has two funds set aside for financial assistance. If you would like help with your application contact the specialist adviser for your area who also may be able to advise on other sources of financial assistance.
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The TSA Support Fund
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What is the Support Fund?
The Fund is a pot of money that the TSA puts aside to help people with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) who are in financial hardship.
Who can apply?
Anyone who has TSC or their parent or carer.
Do I have to be a member of the TSA to apply?
The TSA encourages applicants to become members of the association and if this is your first contact with the TSA your application will give you free membership for the rest of the current year.
When can I apply?
Applications can be made throughout the year and are looked as soon as all the information is received. Decisions are usually made within 2-3 weeks (unless the application is urgent). The budget of £5000 runs from April to April. The maximum amount for any award is £400.
How do I apply?
You will need the following items (click on the titles to download).
1. Application and Reference forms with guidelines 2. TSA Adviser details
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The Janet Medcalf Memorial Fund
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What is the Janet Medcalf Fund?
Donations given in memory of Janet, former voluntary secretary of the TSA and later Head of Support Services, amounted to over £11,000. It was felt that Janet would have chosen for this money to be used to provide help and support to family carers or those living with TSC.
Who can apply?
If you care for someone, who, due to TSC, can't manage without your help, then you are a carer and can apply. If you are an adult with TSC you can apply. You can apply for yourself, be nominated by a specialist adviser or by someone who you know.
Do I have to be a member of the TSA to apply?
Applications are only accepted from members of the TSA.
How do I apply?
Download a Janet Medcalf Memorial Fund application pack.
Who will decide?
Applicants who meet either of the criteria above will have their details put in a hat. Four names will be drawn out and each awarded £300.
What can I apply for?
It could be for a weekend break for two, an aromatherapy course or anything you feel would make a difference to you as a carer or person living with TSC. It could be something that you would consider a treat or a fun activity that would help make you feel special.
When will I hear?
Applications need to be received by the 1st of September each year. Successful applications will be notified in writing by the 1st of November.
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The TSA Travel Bursary Fund
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What is the Travel Bursary?
This Fund is part of the TSA Support Fund (which used to be called the Benevolent Fund). The TSA puts aside a £1000 each April to help people with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) who need financial help to attend TSA events.
Who can apply?
Anyone who has TSC or their parent, carer or family member.
It must be used to be help with travel costs to attend a TSA event such as a TSA family day, Annual conference and AGM, Outlook day event etc.
Do I have to be a member of the TSA to apply?
Yes. Application forms can be downloaded from our website www.tuberous-sclerosis.org ; or you can phone Diane Sanson, Support Services Coordinator on 0121 445 6970)
If you have difficulty paying the membership fees in the future they may be waived. Please speak to a TSC adviser or Diane Sanson.
How much can I ask for and how often?
The maximum amount is £100 per person. We can also waive the delegate fee for the event
Only one application per year and no more than £200 can be given to one person in five years. We may use all of our money up before April of each year.
What the fund can’t help with?
Travel to anything other than a TSA event (please contact your TSC Advisers who will be able to help you access other grants)
What other information do I need to send with my application?
Tell us how you will be travelling. A quote if travelling via train or your mileage will be helpful.
Tell us if you have a disabled person’s rail card/student/senior or family rail card.
What else should I do?
Send your form to Diane Sanson, TSA, PO Box PO Box 12979, Birmingham B45 5AN
When will I hear?
A decision will be made, usually within 1- 2 weeks, you will be informed by letter.
If you are successful a receipt or invoice, or details of the mileage is usually needed before a cheque is sent out to you.
Confidentiality
Your name and family details are only seen by the Support Services Coordinator.
