More information…
- Application is quite simple. Complete our formal application form as fully as you are able: this details your current situation, including where you live, and with whom; your household income; your regular household expenses; and an indication of what specific assistance you require. We can always provide assistance in completing the form!
- Submit the form to our clerk.
- Upon receipt of your completed application form, your request will be considered at the next meeting of the trustees.
- If your application is not acceptable following this initial trustee meeting, our clerk will contact you and explain why.
- If your application is – in principle – acceptable, two of our trustees will arrange to visit you to discuss your claim in more detail.
- You will understand that we have a duty to ensure that only justifiable claims for assistance can be met: we need to understand why your current situation has arisen, what you have been doing to help yourself, whether your circumstances are likely to change in the future and, of course, that your claim is genuine. This is something the trustees’ visit will help us to understand.
- You confirm that any goods requested are purely for your use at your own premises.
Who is eligible?
The blue line on the map above gives a general understanding of our limits. The essential requirement is that you live within the ancient parish of Cantley and Branton. This includes parts of Bessacarr, but we confirm your eligibility when you apply.
You cannot make a request for assistance if you had claimed from us in the previous 12 months.
You may live in private rented accommodation, council housing or even own your own home.
White goods, such as cookers or ovens, will always be fully fitted by our qualified suppliers. Carpets are always fitted; other goods, such as furniture, can only be delivered to the address we have on file for you. If you live in private or council rented accommodation, it is your responsibility to ensure that anything we supply will be acceptable to your landlord.
The trustees’ visit
All of our trustees have been DBS checked, and all are sensitive to the difficulties you may be facing. Trustees have been chosen for their understanding of the sort of issues that claimants may be facing, and for their ability to empathise and communicate. We completely understand that it can be difficult – and embarrassing – talking about personal financial problems with a stranger, but rest assured: we have encountered all sorts of problems and difficulties over the past many years! Our trustees have often been told that the simple action of having the conversation has been like lifting a weight from the shoulders of the claimant.
We also understand that, in some cases, claimants may prefer to be visited by female trustees, rather than male trustees, especially if they are alone in the house. Simply mention this to our clerk you return your forms.
Confidentiality
Please rest assured that everything that is disclosed to the trustees, or on the application form, is kept completely confidential and not shared with anyone else*. GDPR legislation (basically, data protection) requires that you give us permission to store your details, and you must give us permission to make contact with you in one or more ways; one of our forms is specifically for this purpose.
*Of course, we need to share your name and address with the supplier of any goods which will be delivered or fitted in your house; and we have a duty of care and are obliged to pass on any concerns if we believe that harm may come to anyone