News & Articles
THE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY LAUNCH COST OF LIVING SUPPORT FUND
THE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY LAUNCH COST OF LIVING SUPPORT FUND
Increased high energy and food costs have had a devastating impact on many individuals. In order to try to alleviate some of the impact these increased costs are having on individuals in our industries, The Benevolent Society is launching a support fund to ease some of the financial pressure caused by the current cost of living crisis.
Initially only those Individuals who own or work for a company that is actually a fully paid-up Member of one of the BATF federated trade associations, namely, National Association of Jewellers, The Giftware Association, British Travelgoods and Accessories Association, Surface Engineering Association or British Jewellery and Giftware International, will be able to apply for a one-off grant of £750 if they are suffering from financial hardship due to increased energy and food costs. It is hoped that this grant will provide temporary relief to those who are struggling financially until the current situation stabilises and/or costs decrease.
Chairman, Gay Penfold said, “Following on from our support during the Covid pandemic, we now have an understanding of how to successfully provide targeted support to those in our industries who are facing economic difficulties and worry due to global issues. We seek to help the most vulnerable of our members in the various British Allied Trade Federation’s industries we represent during these difficult times. If you are suffering financially as a direct result of current high food and energy prices, we are here to help if we can. We would encourage everyone in this position to complete the application form that you will find on our website. As our funding for this support is a finite amount, applications will be treated on a "first come, first served", basis.”
Gary Wroe, Vice President of the NAJ and Ben Soc Treasurer and Vice Chairman commented:
“As with the Covid support fund we see this as a charity partnership initiative which builds on the excellent work and support already provided by the Goldsmiths' Company Charity and The Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity for the jewellery and silversmithing trades, but as we have a much broader membership, we very much anticipate receiving applications from those struggling financially in the Surface Engineering, Giftware and Travelgoods industries too.”
The support fund will be open for applications from Wednesday 15th February and applications will only be accepted via the support fund electronic application form on The Benevolent Society website: Cost of Living Support Fund - The Benevolent Society
Initially, applications will only be accepted from owners or employees of companies that are members of the above-mentioned trade associations. Depending on demand, applications may be open to non-members at a later date.
If you have any questions regarding the application process, or indeed if you would like to make a donation to The Benevolent Society Support Fund and help us assist your fellow members suffering hardship at this time then please contact Laura Banner by email at laura.b.banner@gmail.com or by telephone on 07985 611 209.