WHAT WE DO – AND HOW DO WE DO IT

We help by giving one of grants for specific items (eg fridges, freezers, carpets, televisions, winter coats, boots, spectacles property repairs and so on) and/or by giving quarterly grants .  

We like, where possible, to visit the applicants but where we know that these other agencies have already visited this is enough for our needs.  However, in the West Midlands, we do have our own qualified counsellor who can carry out such visits and this helps us to assess actual need.  Someone may be in immediate need of a washing machine but there may be other areas where we can help further which is more likely to be apparent from a personal visit.  We can also help with the completion of the application form if necessary which is reassuring for some people.

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Do I qualify?
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There are criteria for applicants which are purposely not listed here as each case is judged on need.  No-one should feel reluctant to apply to the Society for help – after all our Bye Laws are specific to our trades so the funds that we have cannot go elsewhere.  A quick conversation with the Secretary should will quickly establish whether a person is eligible – and most are.

How do I apply?

Prospective beneficiaries need to complete an application form which we have endeavoured to make as simple as possible.  Sometimes, when cases are referred by other agencies (eg SSAFA, Age UK, BEN, British Legion, hospitals and hospices and social workers) their forms will be sufficient for us too.

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In areas outside the West Midlands, sometimes a Trustee will visit or we may rely on references (from previous employers for instance) or just a telephone conversation with the person concerned.

Based on the application form, information from the visitor or other general information, the Secretary prepares a report for the Board of Trustees to discuss.  The Trustees meet quarterly but in cases of urgent need the case will be referred to the Officers of the Society for a decision.

If a once only grant is given then this is paid either to a contractor or shop where an item was purchased or to the beneficiary on production of an invoice (the Accountant and our Independent Examiner are very keen on invoices!).

If a quarterly grant is awarded, this is paid directly into the beneficiary’s bank account and because of what is known as ‘the Government disregard’ it should not normally affect any other benefits a person is receiving.

Thereafter, our visitor will continue to visit the beneficiary twice a year.