Apply for a Joseph Patrick Trust (JPT) grant

JPT was set up in 1986 by Alexander Patrick CBE, in memory of his father and inspired by his brother Andrew, who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Since then, we’ve awarded over 6,000 grants, totalling more than £6 million. These grants have helped more than 5,000 children and adults buy the mobility equipment they need.

Many people with muscle wasting conditions rely on powered mobility equipment to stay independent, active, and connected with others. But this equipment is often expensive and not always available through the NHS or local services. JPT grants help to fill that gap.

You can apply if:

• You live in the UK
• You have a muscle wasting or related neuromuscular condition
• You need specialist mobility equipment that is not available through the NHS or other statutory services

Our grants are not means tested, so your income or savings do not affect your eligibility.

JPT grants are here to help when statutory services, like the NHS or your local council, cannot meet your needs. It’s important to first check what you may be entitled to from these services.

You may be able to get:

• A manual wheelchair from your local NHS wheelchair service
• Walking aids or other mobility support following an assessment with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist
• Equipment for your home (such as hoists or rails) from your local council following an OT assessment

Ask your GP or neuromuscular team for a referral if you have not had one.

Equipment we fund

We offer grants for essential powered mobility equipment. The amount we can award depends on the type of equipment.

The amount you can expect to be awarded will depend on the funds available and demand.

If your application is successful, the grant will go towards the cost of buying the equipment, and you will own the equipment. This means you’ll be responsible for any future costs, including repairs, servicing, insurance, and disposal.

It’s important to think about these ongoing costs when choosing equipment. We will ask you to confirm you’re happy to take on this responsibility before your grant is approved.

What we do not fund

We cannot fund:

• Equipment already ordered or bought
• Second-hand equipment unless from a specialist dealer
• Equipment not listed on our tariff
• Ongoing costs like repairs, insurance, batteries, or tyres

Unfortunately, we also cannot provide grants to people living outside the UK.

Please read our guidelines for grant applicants before applying.

Documents you’ll need

Before you start your application, you will need:

• A quote for the equipment on official headed paper
• Evidence that you’ve contacted statutory services, even if the equipment they have agreed on does not meet your needs
• An assessment letter from a qualified healthcare professional (such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, care advisor, doctor, or nurse) confirming that the equipment you’re applying for is the best fit for your needs

The assessment letter must be on official headed paper and include:

• A description of your needs
• Why this model or type of equipment is needed
• Your ability to use the equipment safely (e.g. road safety awareness, visual perception)
• Why the equipment cannot be provided by statutory services
• Any funding contribution from statutory services (such as a voucher)
• Assessor’s name, job title, workplace, and contact details

Apply online

When you have everything ready, complete the online application form:

Apply for a JPT grant here

The form is hosted on SmartSimple, our secure online system. You’ll be guided step-by-step to register, complete the form, and upload your documents.

After you apply

We’ll email you within one week to confirm we’ve received your application. You should hear back about the outcome within one month.

If you’re awarded a grant, the money will be reserved for 18 months. This gives you time to raise extra funds you might need to cover the full cost of the equipment.

If you do not use the grant within 18 months, it will be released back to the fund – unless you let us know you need more time.

If you no longer need the grant, please let us know as soon as possible.

Once you’re ready to order the equipment, ask the supplier to send us the invoice for your grant amount to:

The Joseph Patrick Trust
32 Ufford Street
London, SE1 8QD

When we receive the invoice, we’ll contact you to confirm your order has been placed and a delivery date has been arranged. We cannot pay the supplier until we have this confirmation from you.

If you have any questions or need help with your application:

📧 jptgrants@musculardystrophyuk.org
📞 020 7803 4811

Author: Muscular Dystrophy UK
Last reviewed: June 2025
Next review due: June 2028