A charity which offers financial help to people who cannot work as a result of a long-term medical condition, has launched a new push to continue its work.
A new royal charter has just been granted to the Royal Society for Home Support (RSHS). The first charter was granted by King Edward VII in 1903.
This charter renewal has led the charity to renew its drive to provide one-off grants or annuities for people who have chronic ill health or disability and who cannot take up employment.
Chair of RSHS, Barbara Finlayson, said: “Our original royal charter pre-dated welfare state benefits and pension. The new charter allows us to focus our resources on those with long-term conditions in a modern 21st century context.
“At the heart of our mission is the belief that everyone deserves to experience the comfort and security of home, regardless of health challenges. We understand that facing such conditions can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help and provide tailored financial solutions.
“Our focus is on the prevention or relief of poverty and to help those with ill-health or disability through grants or donations, so we are keen to attract suitable grant applications.”
RSHS is hopeful health and social care professionals will encourage people in their care to apply for financial support. Potential beneficiaries must meet certain criteria:
Applicants must be living in their own home in the EH postcode area, should be under state retirement age and will be mainly dependent on state benefits.
Avril Douglas is the charity’s welfare officer. She said: ““We provided a grant to a person who had been forced to stop working so they could purchase essential household items such as a bed, wardrobe and TV. These might seem like small things but to someone who is suffering, as this person was, they can bring some comfort and much needed stability to an otherwise uncertain future.”
The charity also has a new website where applications or donations can be made.
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