Family Fund Business Services are working in partnership with BBC Children in Need to deliver their Emergency Essentials Programme (previously the Buttle UK Families Programme). Donations received during the BBC's Big Night In appeal are being used to support families facing financial hardship due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 crisis.

This programme provides items for the most basic needs of vulnerable children and young people who may be:

• Living in severe poverty and suffering deprivation as a result.
• Affected by additional social issues such as domestic abuse, substance misuse, estrangement, disability or serious illness, mental health or behavioural difficulties, abuse or neglect.Key Criteria

Applications must be made through an organisation that is supporting the family or young person and is capable of assessing their needs, and that can also administer the grant.

The support is for the following:

• Children aged under 18 years who are experiencing a crisis or emergency.
• UK or EU citizens who are normally resident in the UK.
• Where the child or young person's family do not have access to support and have insufficient resources to meet their needs.
• Where a child or young person's family are experiencing poverty or destitution or are in receipt of a means tested benefits.
• Where vulnerable low income families have been affected by the recent severe floods.

Consideration may be given where a child or young person, or their family, have an asylum application under assessment or in circumstances where residency criteria is not consistent across the family unit.

Funding is available for critical household items as follows:

• Electric cookers.
• Furniture, kitchen equipment and small appliances.
• Clothing.
• Baby equipment.
• Fridges and freezers.
• Washing machines.
• Tumble dryers.
• Children's beds and bedding, including cots.