Our grants aim to provide financial assistance to individuals with, or suspected of having, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) who are experiencing financial burdens directly related to their condition. This can include costs for:

• Treatments, investigations, therapies, or medical equipment/aids

• Travel, accommodation, and subsistence related to medical care

• Support for accompanying family or carers if essential

Important: We do not provide funding for general living expenses such as rent, utilities, or similar costs.

You can apply if:

• You have, or are suspected of having any type of EDS or HSD.

• You are normally resident in the UK (your main home is in the UK, you are registered with a UK medical practitioner, and you have been resident in the UK six out of the last 12 months).

• You are an individual - organisations, charities, and companies are not eligible.

We consider financial contributions for a wide range of costs, including:

• Medical investigations, consultations, treatments, therapies, medical equipment/aids recommended by a registered practitioner.

• Travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs for the patient.

• Travel and accommodation costs for family or carers, if essential to the patient’s care.

We do not provide an exhaustive list of treatments. Eligibility is based on medical evidence and recommendations from qualified professionals.

A registered practitioner is a qualified healthcare professional who is legally registered with a recognised UK or equivalent professional body and has the authority to refer or recommend treatments, investigations, therapies, or medical equipment/aids.

Eligible practitioners include:

• Doctors (NHS or private)

• Registered nurses with referral rights

• Allied Health Professionals registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Important: Certain professionals, such as nutritionists, are not considered registered practitioners unless they are registered with an eligible body and have referral rights. Please ensure your referral or recommendation comes from a recognised registered practitioner to be considered for funding,

No. The Charity does not provide funding for self-referrals. To be considered, your application must include a referral, recommendation, or prescription from a registered practitioner (see “What is a registered practitioner?”).

This ensures that the proposed treatment, investigation, therapy, or equipment is supported by a qualified professional and is appropriate for your situation. Applications without a referral from an eligible practitioner will not be considered.

Yes, if the treatment is referred by a registered practitioner and evidence is provided that the treatment is beneficial to your condition. We may require additional information about the provider and their qualifications.

No. There is no minimum or maximum grant. The amount awarded will depend on your individual circumstances and the Trustees’ assessment of what would “make a difference” to you.

Important: All awards are at the sole discretion of the Trustees. Contributions are usually partial, as the Charity operates with limited funds, and not all costs may be covered. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding.

Yes. EDS and HSD are lifelong conditions, and needs can change over time. You may apply multiple times for different treatments or therapies required.

Yes, we consider retrospective applications for costs incurred after 15 February 2018 the date the Charity was registered. You can also apply for prospective costs.

The Charity will announce when a Grant Round is “Open” and you can apply until the closing date.

Applications can only be submitted through the online application form on our website.

If you submit your application after the closing date, it will not be considered.

Important: After submitting your online application, you must email all supporting documents - including diagnoses letter(s) and referral/recommendation letters - to info@mindbodyeds.org.uk

The Trustees will not consider your application if these documents are not received.

All applications will be reviewed according to the published closing dates.

• Proof or suspicion of an EDS or HSD diagnosis.

• Referral/recommendation for the proposed treatment, investigation, therapy, or medical equipment/aids from a registered practitioner.

• Details of costs, travel, and accommodation if relevant.

• Any supporting documents to justify why the grant will make a difference.

• We will acknowledge your application by email.

• If your application does not meet eligibility criteria, we will inform you.

• If further information is needed, we will contact you, which may delay review.

• The Trustees will review your application and decide:

  • Successful: with a specified grant amount.

  • Unsuccessful: with reasons provided.

Important: If your application is successful and the Charity contacts you, you must respond within 2 weeks of the email being sent. If no response is received within this timeframe, the Trustees reserve the right to redistribute the funds to other applicants.

• Grants are usually paid via bank transfer.

• You may need to provide evidence of expenses already incurred.

• If your grant supports a larger fundraising campaign, your award may be pledged until the campaign reaches its target.

No. Providing a grant does not mean the Trustees endorse any particular treatment or therapy. It is your responsibility, with your medical team, to decide the appropriate course of action.

We may ask you to provide feedback and evidence of how the funding was spent. This helps us ensure our support is making a difference and informs future grant priorities.