The Objectives Of the Gloucestershire Society
Supplying Basic and Essential Needs
The Gloucestershire Society has a team of five volunteers who deal quickly and efficiently with grant requests, sending out grant cheques within a few days of the request. The average grant is £100. Requests include items such as:
Basic and essential cots, beds, mattresses, bedding, cookers, fridges, freezers, carpets, basic household items and home safety equipment, removal costs for those fleeing domestic violence, help to re-house single parents and help to grandparents looking after children.
What Does The Charity Do?
We provide grants of money to people who are in difficulties. These are normally up to about £150 to meet an immediate need.
How Is This Money Distributed?
Five volunteers cover the county and they can make grants without going through a long administrative process.
How Are People Referred to the Charity?
They are referred by Social Services, Churches, Health Professionals and similar agencies. People in severe need are in contact with these agencies so personal applications are seldom made.
Who Can Qualify For A Grant?
Anyone in need who lives in the original County of Gloucestershire. This includes those within the present county boundary, those in South Gloucestershire and those in Bristol living north of the River Avon.
What Is The Need?
Within the county there are many people living in great deprivation both in the towns and in the rural areas. Many are in desperate need of money for things like basic furniture and bedding, for a cooker repair, for an item to care for a child or to keep them safe. In many cases help with these basic items is not available and sometimes it is only available after many forms have been filled in and other delays faced. Although the amounts given out by the Gloucestershire Society are not large people find that they are a “lifeline” which arrives quickly and shows that “someone cares”.
How Is The Charity Financed?
The Charity’s income comes from annual donations. Anyone’s donation will be gratefully received. In addition the President (see other section of the website) asks for donations from everyone on the Charity’s lists and from friends and contacts. Legacies are also welcomed. The Charity has minimal expenses so virtually all the income is distributed.
