Guernsey charities supporting older people are being encouraged to apply for financial assistance via the Pargiter Trust’s Grants Programme.
The Guernsey Community Foundation, which makes payments on behalf of the Trust, is now accepting applications for the first round of this year’s Pargiter Trust Grants Programme, which is open from now until the end of March.
The Trust is particularly interested in services and initiatives that enhance the health and well-being of people aged 65 and above, as well as projects which help older people to access facilities, advice, and training. Applications are also welcomed from charities who help older people overcome difficult circumstances relating to illness, injury, disability, bereavement, or poverty.
Jim Roberts, Chief Executive of the Foundation, said: “On behalf of the Pargiter Trust, the Foundation has distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds to charities whose focus in on helping older people. We know that Covid has hit charities hard, and we would encourage any non-profit organisation that works with older people to contact us to find out more about the help on offer.”
Over the last few years, dozens of local charities have benefited from Pargiter grants, including Carers Coming Together, Guernsey Hard of Hearing Association, Milly’s Foundation, Headway, Guernsey Bereavement Service, Men’s Shed, St John’s Residential, Styx Community Centre, the Guille Allez Library, Dementia Friendly Guernsey, Age Concern, St Peter’s Church, Tin Whistle and Tumaini.
Mike Starkey, Pargiter Trust, Trustee said: “There is no doubt that Covid has impacted all areas of our community and no more so than our older people, sometimes crisis is an opportunity to reshape our thinking. There is a need to better understand the impact Covid has had on the community and how best to learn and move forward using what has been discovered during this challenging time.
“Whilst Guernsey was able to provide significant financial support during the heights of the pandemic it is important that ongoing support remains available albeit the nature of the support may look different.
“Pargiter Trust remains committed to supporting our Guernsey charities and I hope to see many applications in our next round.”
About Pargiter Trust
In 2005, the Honourable Isobel Cooper Heyman founded the Pargiter Trust to support older people. Isobel was a Trustee of The National Benevolent Fund for The Aged (NBFA) for a number of years and was a passionate campaigner, ensuring older people have the support they need to maintain independence and live healthy, happy lives.
She founded the Pargiter Trust to continue her work alleviating social isolation and stress wherever possible for older people living in England and the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
During recent years the trust has funded a variety of exciting and different projects and many different organisations, all with a common interest in helping older people.
Charities can request an application form and more information by emailing here. Upon applying, organisations will need to include a copy of their annual accounts and evidence of satisfactory safeguarding measures.
