Wokingham charity awards more than £43,000 to support families
FROM cookers to travel cards, charitable grants have been a lifeline for residents struggling financially.
Wokingham United Charities, which has supported the borough since 1451, has awarded more than £43,000 in essential item grants since April.
It has issued 119 grants, including funds for 34 cookers, 19 washing machines and 13 fridge-freezers, for families in need of support.
Jane Holloway, the charity’s grants committee chair, said: “Our aim is to assist people when they need it most and relieve financial pressure in difficult times with a helping hand. Ultimately, we would hope nothing more for our charity than to be redundant, but until then we are here to help make things a little better.”
It helps fund household items, including microwaves, tumble dryers, beds and mattress. Grants can be made for items up to £500, but special consideration is made for more expensive items.
Sarah Lee, whose name has been changed, was given a cooker for her new home.
After fleeing domestic abuse with nothing, and living in temporary accommodation, Ms Lee was given permanent accommodation by the borough council.
She reached out to Citizens Advice Wokingham for help with benefits assistance, where the charity discovered she was in need of a cooker.
After receiving the grant approval, Ms Lee told Wokingham United Charities: “I’ve got a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat. Please pass on my sincere gratitude to your trustees. I am so grateful for the cooker; it means the world to me. If I can help in the future I really will.”
The charity also helps with debt-related fees and ad-hoc requests.
This has included a travel card to help a Wokingham man reach his new job.
Derek Chamberlain, whose name has been changed, was homeless.
After reaching out to a range of support services, Mr Chamberlain secured a in Wokingham and was offered temporary accommodation.
But he needed a travel card to get to work, after being housed outside of town.
Wokingham United Charities awarded a grant for a threemonth travel card, giving Mr Chamberlain the initial support needed to find his feet in the workplace.
“Understanding that essential can mean different things to different people gives Wokingham United Charities flexibility to really be able to help,” a charity spokesperson explained.
The charity has given more than £9,500 more in grants this year than requested during the same time period last year.
The spokesperson added: “This is astronomical and reflects the financial pressure residents are facing.
“During the last eight months we have awarded 30 grants for bankruptcy and debt relief order fees — a 400% increase so far on 2020/21.”
Towards the end of last year, the organisation partnered with Citizens Advice Wokingham to provide a more holistic approach.
Residents’ needs are assessed, and any grant requests are passed on.
“Often, when an individual or family are seeking support for an essential item there are other issues that they may need help with,” the spokesperson explained. “By working together with Citizens Advice Wokingham, residents have access to additional support services and can be signposted to the other local charities and organisations that can help.”
Kevin James, whose name has been changed, was able to secure a grant for a bankruptcy fee after initially being assessed by Citizens Advice.
Mr James had worked his whole life but struggled to make ends meet after being made redundant. He relied heavily on credit cards and was unable to clear the arrears.
After realising he couldn’t clear the conpounding debts, Mr James reached out to Citizens Advice.
The charity advised bankrupcy, but he could not pay the fee. Wokingham United Charities stepped in and funded the payment.
Mr James is now employed and looking forward to a fresh start after clearing his debts.
The charity is often able to approve a grant request within 48 hours.
To apply for a grant, contact Citizens Advice Wokingham.
Once reviewed, the request will be passed onto Wokingham United Charities.