The Gloucestershire Society

The Gloucestershire Society is one of Britain’s oldest charities. In 1657, fifty Bristol merchants, all born in Gloucestershire, decided they should help others born in the county who had fallen on hard times.

For the last 366 years the Society has raised funds each year from generous donors to give to people in need who live within the boundaries of the old county of Gloucestershire, including Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Almost all of the money we raise is distributed in charitable donations because the work of the Society is undertaken by unpaid volunteers.

The Society makes small grants for a specific purpose to people who are in significant, and often desperate need, such as victims of domestic abuse, vulnerable families, the old and lonely, or the homeless.

Requests for help come to us from many organisations including Social Services, Citizens Advice Bureaus, Barnardo’s, local councils, housing associations and other local bodies. Our volunteers, most of whom have worked for the charity for many years, assess applications and approve a grant of funds, typically of £200 or less. Last year we made donations to more than 800 people and to meet the demand we need to raise significant funds each year.

Today, at this time of rapidly rising prices, the need is as great as it has ever been and we would be enormously grateful for whatever support you can give us. A helping hand at the right time can be a lifeline.