Lots of us feel the pinch after Christmas. Even if we’ve budgeted really carefully and cut down, January can often be a worrying time.
People often start googling terms such as “get money now” and “get money quick”, and read our many suggestions for often fun ways to make quick cash. However, one thing a lot of people aren’t fully aware of is that there are hardship grants available when times are hard.
Remember if you are really struggling, talk to your local Citizens Advice or contact your local council. There are dedicated teams who can help and advise you.
National Hardship Grants:
Glasspool
Glasspool provide grants to UK residents, there are no restrictions on who they give these to, but they are not able to support everyone who applies. They may provide a small grant for household items and essentials, including but not limited to: beds and bedding, school uniforms, cookers and baby essentials. Access more information here.
Al-Mizan Charitable Trust: General Welfare Fund
The Al-Mizan Charitable Trust provides small grants up to £500 to individuals who are in need due to poverty, deprivation or disadvantage. To be eligible you must be British and be living in the UK. The Fund is available to anyone in need regardless of faith of religious background. For more information click here.
Talisman Charitable Trust
The Talisman Charitable Trust can help with grants for education, health, housing and disability. Applications are considered on a case by case basis and need to be made via your local authority or an organisation like the Citizens Advice. You can find all the information you need on the Talisman website.
Regional Hardship Grants:
Catholic Children’s Society (Plymouth)
The CCS aims to relieve the urgent needs of families by providing them with essential goods that they may not be able to purchase themselves for a variety of reasons. A grant can be awarded for white goods, bedding and clothing among other things. More information is available here.
Emily Bolitho Trust
The trust provides grants of up to £500 to support the wellbeing of individuals living within the old borough of Penzance. They support individuals faced with hardship through poor health or low income. They are offered for many items, from white goods to safety equipment. It has a rolling deadline and more information can be found here.
Cornwall Rural Community Charity
The CRCC provides several different types of grant based on the individuals’ needs. For example, the Carers Resilience Enablement Grant provides aid in unforeseen circumstances that prevent unpaid carers from fulfilling their role. This could range from replacing equipment to respite care. For more information follow the link here.
Greggs Foundation
The Greggs Foundation Hardship Fund operates in in the North-East of England. Applications need to be submitted by a charity or organisation on your behalf. The Foundation can help with anything from white goods to bedding, baby equipment, clothing and flooring. The also offer supermarket vouchers. Click here to find out more.
Family Hardship Grants
Family Fund
UK Charity Family Fund provides assistance to families with disabled children. Grants have been given out for a range of items from sensory toys, family breaks, outdoor play equipment, clothing and more. Their aim is to support families and make a real difference. The deadline for applications is ongoing and more information can be found here.
