The Gloucestershire Society

The charity was founded well over 300 years ago by the merchants and burgesses of Bristol to provide help to the very vulnerable of Gloucestershire. Its aims haven't changed and nor, sadly, has the need.

There are currently well over 1,000 homeless households in Gloucestershire. Over 100,000 food parcels are handed out annually and there are, of course, the old, the lonely, the children-in-need and victims of abuse, many of whom slip through the net of either being counted, or receiving help.

Funds are collected each year by donation from friends and contacts of The Society and then distributed, in sums of up to £250, sometimes more, for basic and essential items and to those needing emergency financial support. The claims are referred to The Society via numerous agencies, mostly charitable or local government, and then assessed. If approved, the sum is paid out immediately: no delay, no bureaucracy, no fuss.

The costs of the charity are minimal with nearly all the work provided by volunteers, who are experienced and who, in many cases, have been a part of the charity for many years. Our only overheads are accounting and communications and even these are heavily subsidised by Safferys, our accountants, to whom we remain eternally grateful.

Now, with the Winter Fuel Payment withdrawal, the cost of living increases and the government cut-backs, we anticipate a huge upturn in local need and our aim is to increase the amount we currently raise - around £200k per annum - to nearer £500k per annum, in order to cope.

To help with this, we will spread the net more widely through greater publicity and by taking stands at the various events and shows that take place exclusively in Gloucestershire.

But we still desperately need your help as well. A donation - better still, anan annual donation - can be a lifeline.