Frequently Asked
Questions
FAQ
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers for your convenience. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch and we’ll respond to your inquiry as quickly as possible.
Q: How does Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy impact mental wellbeing?
Q: How can Harrison's Fund help families cope with a Duchenne diagnosis?
​A: Coping with a Duchenne diagnosis can be challenging. We provide resources and support to help families navigate this difficult time, including access to expert clinical psychologists and mental health resources tailored to their needs.
Q: How does Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy impact mental wellbeing?
A: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy can significantly impact mental wellbeing, not just for the patient but for the entire family. Our resources aim to address these challenges by offering emotional support and practical advice.
Q: What funding assistance is available for mental health support?
A: Through our Chrysalis Grant, we provide up to £1000 to help families access private therapy sessions. This grant is designed to bridge the gap while families wait for NHS services.
Q: What psychological support options are available through Harrison's Fund?
A: We offer a range of psychological support options, including access to private therapy sessions through our Chrysalis Grant. This grant helps families gain immediate support while they wait for NHS services.
Q: What kind of expert clinical psychology support does Harrison's Fund offer?
A: We work with experienced clinical psychologists who specialize in supporting families affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Our goal is to provide tailored psychological support to meet the unique needs of each family.
Q: What are Chrysalis Grants?
​A: Chrysalis Grants fund tailored mental health support for families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. They cover counselling, therapy, and wellbeing services that are often hard to access through the NHS. Our goal is simple: to help you and your loved ones cope emotionally with the challenges Duchenne brings.
Q: Who can apply for a Chrysalis Grant?
A: Anyone in the UK living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or a direct family member (parent, sibling, or carer), can apply. We understand Duchenne impacts the whole family, and our grants are designed to support everyone affected.
Q: What kinds of mental health support do the grants cover?
A:
Chrysalis Grants can cover:
-
One-to-one counselling
-
Family or sibling therapy
-
Specialist mental health practitioners
-
Resilience and coping programmes
-
Other therapeutic approaches recommended by clinicians
If you’re unsure whether a particular therapy is eligible, just ask us—we’ll do our best to make it possible.
Q: What psychological support options are available through Harrison's Fund?
A: Grant amounts vary depending on need, but most cover a block of professional therapy sessions. We aim to make support sustainable, and in some cases can offer follow-on funding where there is clear ongoing benefit. One grant is up to a maximum of £1000
Q: How do I apply for a Chrysalis Grant?
A: Applying is straightforward:
-
Visit our website and fill in the application form.
-
Our grants team reviews applications as they arrive and will contact you directly with next steps.
-
Have an initial 'triage' conversation with an Expert Psychologist
-
Receive approval, sign terms and condition, start.
We know paperwork can feel daunting—if you need help, we’re here.
Q: How long does it take to hear back once I’ve applied?
​A: We aim to let you know the outcome within 4 weeks of receiving your application. In urgent cases, we do our best to fast-track support.
Do I need to contribute any costs myself?
A: No. Harrison’s Fund covers the cost of approved mental health support in full. There is no expectation of contribution from you or your family.
Q: Is my information kept private?
A: Absolutely. We handle all personal and medical information with strict confidentiality and comply fully with GDPR. We only share details with your consent and where necessary to arrange your support.
Q: How is Harrison’s Fund different from other Duchenne charities?
A: For our first 11 years, we funded cutting-edge research. Today, our mission is 100% focused on filling the gap in mental health care. We are the only UK charity dedicated solely to funding therapy and psychological support for those living with Duchenne.
Q: How can I help Harrison’s Fund keep providing Chrysalis Grants?
A: Every grant we award is funded by donations and fundraising. You can support us by:
-
Making a one-off or regular gift
-
Taking part in a fundraising challenge
-
Partnering with us as a business or community group
-
Sharing our mission with your networks
Together, we can make sure no family faces Duchenne without the mental health support they deserve.
