Guidance Notes    Please read carefully

The Welfare Fund is aimed at those who are living in poverty.  They may have been claiming benefits for some time or suffering from a long term heath condition or disability which prevents them from working. They may have caring responsibilities or be escaping an abusive relationship; be a victim of crime or have suffered a traumatic bereavement. 

The Welfare Fund is to help people buy essential  things that will make a positive contribution to their day- to-day well -being.   

Our awards are normally a few hundred pounds in value and a successful award will be made in the form of vouchers, a bank transfer or through our own suppliers. 

Please check that you are making an application for something we can help with and that you fit the criteria.  

We are currently considering applications for;    

1. White goods e.g. fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine and cooker 
2. Household goods e.g. bedding and beds, bedroom furniture, kitchen equipment  
3.  Baby equipment e.g. stroller, cot  
4.  Food 
5.  Clothing  
6.  Fuel 
7. Minor House Repairs
8. Training

We are not currently considering applications for;

1. Debts
2. Funeral Expenses
3. Major House Repairs
4. Legal or administration fees

Under exceptional circumstances we may consider applications  for;

1. Rent Arrears
2. Bankruptcy and debt relief orders 
3. Private Medical Treatment
4. Respite Holidays
5. Floor Coverings
6. Disability aids or adaptations
7. Garden Improvements 

 To fit the criteria you must; 

1. Have UK citizenship or have been granted leave to remain .
2. Be over 18 years old
3. Be claiming all the state benefits you are entitled to  Please see our benefits calculator here.
4. Be unable to fund the request yourself
5. Be applying for something that would not usually be funded by the state?    
6. Have not received an award from us in the preceding 12 months
7. Have not had more than three successful applications in the preceding three years
8. Have applied to other trade related benevolence funds if applicable

How to apply? 

You need to fill in the application form below and ensure you have completed everything on the checklist before sending it to us.  

Your application must be supported by a professional referrer statement and a recent monthly bank statement and medical evidence where applicable. The.professional referrer statement can either be pasted into the box provided or attached as a file at the end. You will find this easier if you have already uploaded your referrer statement, medical evidence and bank statements onto your device before starting the form and have your income and outgoings to hand.

If you are a referrer making an application on behalf of a client then please give your clients name, email and contact details at the start of the application and your details in the referrers section at the end of the application.  

If your application is incomplete we will be unable to process it and it may be rejected.

 CHECKLIST

1. Ensure all your personal details are fully completed; including full income and outgoings based on the whole household. This must include every member of the family that is contributing to the daily living costs. 
2. Ensure that you (or your legal representative) have signed and completed the consent questions. 
3. Attach a copy of your most recent monthly bank statement. 
4.  Attach evidence of your medical condition (if applicable to your application). This must be in the form of a statement from your doctor, hospital or other medical professional confirming your condition. 
5. Complete the section on Background to this Application giving further details of your request explaining how an award would have a positive impact on your well-being.
6.  Ensure that a professional  REFERRER  such as a Case Worker, Social Worker, Housing Worker, GP or Family Support Worker has completed the section For Referrers.                   

We look forward to receiving your application 

Thank you