Apply
How does it work?
Referral agencies across Edinburgh can apply to An Open Hand on behalf of families who are eligible. An Open Hand will then call the family before the birthday to find out exactly what they would like to give their child. On the day arranged, the gift is delivered directly to the family’s home while the children are out at school. Wrapping paper, a birthday card and the family bag (see below) are also included. This way, parents can wrap, prepare and give the presents themselves on the birthday. All siblings are included on one application form so that each child in a family receives a gift on their birthday.
What is included in the delivery?
Birthday present
The birthday present (chosen specifically by the parent) with card, wrapping paper and Sellotape – approx. £35 in value
The family bag
- A book for each child in the family
- A family game
- Bubbles for each child
- Drawing paper
- Colouring pencils / writing pencils / sharpener / rubber / pencil case
Common questions
If you can’t find what you’re looking for or would like to find out more, please contact Katie at enquiries@anopenhand.org.uk
Can I apply for all the children in a family?
Yes! Please include all siblings in one family on one form, to ensure each child in the family receives a gift on their birthday.
When can I apply?
Please ensure that the application is submitted at least two weeks before the first child’s birthday. This allows sufficient time to purchase the selected gift and arrange delivery to the family.
We will try our best to fulfil applications received within two weeks of the birthday. However, as we are a charity run entirely by volunteers, this is not always possible. If we do not have capacity to fulfil the birthday in time, the birthday gift for that child will be scheduled for delivery the following year, at their next birthday. Siblings will be delivered to throughout that year as normal.
Which families can I apply for?
Our criteria for application is as follows:
- Families who are facing severe hardship because of job loss or benefit delays/interruptions and have no other means (e.g. savings) of helping their child celebrate their birthday
- Families who have no recourse to public funds
- Families facing unexpected bills/costs/debt repayments around the time of their child’s birthday which prevent them from buying their child a present.
How long does an application last for?
The application lasts for one year from the time it is sent, so that all the children in the family receive a gift in that year. If the family need support after that time we are very happy to receive repeat applications.
To find out more, please contact Katie.
An Open Hand application form
Our aim is to help the families that need it most. We would be grateful if you could ensure that families fall into an area of need listed below before applying. We won’t be able to accept applications outwith the criteria below.
Criteria for application:
- Families (both parents/carers) who are facing severe hardship because of job loss or benefit delays/interruptions and have no other means (e.g. savings) of helping their child celebrate their birthday.
- Families who have no recourse to public funds.
- Families facing unexpected bills/costs/debt repayments around the time of their child’s birthday which prevent them from buying their child a present.
We are keen to help as many families as we can through this project, whilst still ensuring that each individual child feels treasured and receives a gift they will delight in. We will evaluate the funding for each gift on a case by case basis according to the financial needs of the family, the age of the child and the funding available. A general rule of thumb is that we anticipate most gifts along with the family bag to be in the region of up to £45.
Please ensure this application is submitted at least two weeks before the first child’s birthday to ensure there is sufficient time to deliver to the family.
All fields must be completed, unless marked as optional.
Once we receive your application, we aim to be in touch with you within 5 working days to let you know if your application is successful.
Feedback quotes
She had a fab day thank you – put a smile on our children’s faces.
Thank you so much, he had a magical day and was very, very pleased with his gifts. It’s wonderful how you managed to get it right for him based on our brief conversation on the phone. Thank you ever so much.
Yes, the gifts were awesome. C loves them. It gave me some peace of mind he was able to get that gift and also something that he really wanted. It was great to see his face and that’s awesome from you and your team. Great work all round. Thank you so much.
I appreciate all the help and support I have been given by you guys. It’s been a massive help so thank you very much.
I was delighted that somebody cared about me and my children.
I’m very thankful for the gifts and activities for the children. They really enjoyed them. And the main gift was perfect. My son loved it. 😊
A great service for people like me who don’t have as much money at the moment.
I was mortified that I wasn’t able to get my 2 kids birthday gifts due to benefit issues and bills. I felt like a failure. The kids absolutely loved the gifts and were super happy with all of it. They had big smiles and I felt so relieved. I can’t thank you enough!!
Fantastic service. Helped me over the most hard month to free up money for food. Really appreciated all the little bits too like wrapping paper and card. Thank you.
All the children loved the family bag and all the paper was used up already. They have played with the other things too. The main gift was perfect and has been played nonstop. It was his favourite thing!! Thank you so much for your help.
I really appreciated your support. It gave me money to use on food and heating.
Thank you so much. You are so kind and respectful and treated me with such dignity.
It was really good to see him getting something I couldn’t afford and it was just what he wanted.
It has really helped me out. A brilliant service.
The presents you gave for her birthday were absolutely incredible she loved every one of them – the service was amazing.
I deeply appreciate this, it was all perfect. He was thrilled to be able to pick his own gift.
Thank you so, so much! He is very excited for his birthday! Apart from a big THANK YOU, I know no words that could express my gratitude right now! Thank you with all my heart for everything.
The stuff was amazing, your service was honestly outstanding. You guys made a massive difference for both kids and were so friendly and non invasive. I can’t thank you guys enough.
The children loved their gifts, they still play with them everyday. The service was great, lovely people. So lovely to have something like this. It is really amazing xxx