All of the cards were distributed for sale for Christmas 2008. On the whole we had a good response to them, though we do have a small stock of unsold cards. We are thinking about using the same design for next year, but would appreciate comments on the 2008 cards, if you feel so inclined.

Any comments or requests can be addressed to Richard Martin our Secretary at the contact points below
Telephone/Fax: 01553-636570
e-mail: edridge@btinternet.com

or by writing to us at: Edridge Fund
The Limes, Lynn Road
Gayton,
King’s Lynn PE32 1QJ

Please support the Edridge Fund - we exist to provide money, support and help to Probation and CAFCASS staff who are in need.

Welcome to the guidelines and information for Edridge Representatives. As Trustees, we are very grateful to you for the work you do in assisting applicants, assessing their needs and supporting them during times of trouble. I am sure you are aware that the Edridge Fund is needed now as much as ever.

We are very grateful to Napo for their ongoing financial support. However, we are always in need of additional funds raised from sponsored events, donations in lieu of gifts, or regular donations. Whichever way money is given to Edridge, we would encourage everyone to ensure a Gift Aid form is completed - we can then claim back the tax already paid but this costs the donor nothing extra.

We hope your local Napo branch will have a regular Edridge item on the agenda at all branch meetings. This can be an opportunity to remind people about Edridge - how assistance can be obtained and how they can help the Fund.

On behalf of the Trustees, may I express our thanks to all of you for the valuable work you do for the Fund. We hope you find this booklet of use in carrying out that work.

THE HISTORY OF EDRIDGE

The National Association of Probation Officers was inaugurated in 1912 with its first Chair being Sydney Edridge (Clerk to the Justices at Croydon). Probation Officers received regular salaries for the first time in 1926, though these were very low.

The Edridge Benevolent Trust was set up in 1934 in response to real need, its aim being ‘to alleviate cases of distress amongst serving and retired Officers’. Since its inception, the Trust has been an independent Registered Charity and Napo has been responsible for appointing the Trustees. In 1990, in order to increase the categories of people eligible to benefit, a new trust fund, The Edridge Fund, was set up replacing the old trust fund.

ORGANISATION OF THE FUND
The Trustees

The Trustees are appointed by the National Executive Committee of Napo for a period of five years and are legally responsible to the Charity Commissioners for the administration and use of the Fund. They are responsible to the Service and the applicants for the appropriate making of grants, the support of those in need and the good standing of the Fund. They meet five or six times a year to consider new referrals and review current cases. Every application is dealt with in the strictest confidence. At their meetings, the trustees also receive and report on the Fund’s financial situation.

1. The Trustees would be unable to fulfil these responsibilities effectively without the Branch Representatives. It is your ability to present an approachable Edridge image and to accept the quite difficult role of being a ‘help’ to colleagues, which will enable the Fund to meet all the needs existing in the Service.

2. The Trustees have been able to develop a liaison with NPD and CAFCASS, following reorganisation, to ensure management support for the Fund and local representatives. Chief Officers can make a valuable contribution by demonstrating support for the Fund, allowing area communication systems to be used for publicising the Fund.

3. The work of the Trustees has increased over the years and the management of the Fund has become more complex as the demands made on it have increased. This means that administration costs have risen accordingly and, therefore, any additional fundraising to enable the Charity to help those in need is vitally important and much appreciated by the Trustees.
The Representatives

Each Branch elects its own Edridge Representative. This Representative is usually the first point of contact for anyone wishing to use the Fund.

The Representative is also encouraged to offer personal support should this be welcomed by any applicant. This role is, therefore, of vital importance to the Branch and to the operation of the Fund. The Edridge Representative and Trustees treat every application in the strictest confidence. These are considered at regular meetings throughout the year or, in response to crises, between meetings.

Most referrals for help are channelled through representatives and they are responsible for obtaining details of the applicant’s financial situation and assessing need. Often their role develops into that of a counsellor. Their support enables many serving staff to cope with their problems and free them to offer a better service
to clients and the Courts. Care must be taken not to give advice about issues on which professional advice should be sought.

This caring role is also important when the applicants are retired members of the service or when a serving or retired member of the service dies.

Edridge representatives also have the difficult task of stimulating colleagues’ interest in the Fund. If colleagues do not give adequate financial support, the Fund cannot continue to make grants to those in need. Many representatives appoint deputies to assist them. It is important to gain the support of the branch and the top management. Knowledge of local and national charities can also be helpful. (See Appendix 3 for a selection of Charities)

National representative conferences are usually held bi-annually and the mutual support gained at these meetings is most important. Regional meetings can be organised by the appropriate Trustee should this be felt to be useful.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

1. All employees of the Service who are eligible to be members of Napo can benefit.

2. Retired Staff.

3. Bereaved Partners, Spouses and Dependents of 1 and 2.

Edridge operates only on the basis of demonstrated need. Applications are assessed individually and grants are designed to help towards the applicant’s specific requirements.

TYPES OF GRANT

1. Special Grants

These are the main type of grants made, often at times of financial crisis, to help those who face financial difficulties such as: accident/illness/debt/relationship breakdown.

Normally applicants contact either their local rep or the Edridge office. In each case an application form must be completed and is based on financial need (see application procedure).

Summary

a) Confidentiality must be ensured

b) The applicant must demonstrate financial need

c) Reps suggestions relating to grant level are welcome

d) It is important to note that Trustees can, in times of emergency, make an immediate grant, often within 24 hours. This is called an ‘emergency special’.

2. Christmas Grants

The Trustees now feel that Christmas grants are perhaps outdated and that, should an applicant need a grant, it should not necessarily be related to Christmas. In the past the Christmas grant has been seen as something of a gift, which, unless there is financial need, should be discouraged. For this reason we have insisted that reps contact each person in their region receiving a Christmas Grant to carry out a personal means test (although not necessarily filling in an application form). We have also been happy to send a Christmas Card from the fund, rather than financial gifts and this has been quite successful.

Summary

a) Each year we will continue to insist that every person who has been recommended for Christmas grant be contacted and a financial means test be undertaken.

b) We do not encourage any further applications for Christmas (gift) grants as such.

c) If reps should wish to send Christmas cards, the fund will be happy to arrange to send these cards without necessarily the thought of a financial gift.

3. Bereavement Grants

Bereavement grants can be made to the dependent of a serving or retired member of the service.

These grants were originally intended for cash at a time when probate had occurred and finances were often frozen. The original grants were intended to defray the cost of a funeral and, at one stage, would have been quite a large part of funeral expenses. Nowadays funerals are usually very expensive and fortunately most people have made provision during their lifetime. Thus the bereavement grant is intended now to provide a small amount of cash in case of immediate need. The question of longer term need can then be assessed by the rep and further grants made if necessary.

Summary

a) On each occasion, when we are notified of bereavement, we ask the rep to enquire sensitively as to the financial circumstances of the bereaved. It can then be gauged whether a grant is necessary.

b) Should a grant be necessary, then £100 will normally be sent.

c) Reps should follow up, at a suitable time after the death, to assess any further need complete an application form, which can be considered by the Trustees in the normal way.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Referrals can be made by the applicant or by a representative/colleague with the applicant’s permission. Some applicants write directly to the Trustees. Ideally, the local representative should deal with all referrals, initially, in order to obtain a full picture of the position and give assistance, if necessary, with completion of the Application Form (Appendix 4).

Applications should then be forwarded to the Secretary of the Edridge Fund:

Richard Martin
Edridge Fund
The Limes
Lynn Road
Gayton
King’s Lynn
PE32 1QJ

ASSESSMENT OF NEED

The Trustees are under a legal obligation, under Charity Commission Guidelines, to assess need. This is a very difficult and delicate task but Trustees must have details of the applicant’s income, outgoings, interest from savings and debts so that there can be some consistency and fairness in the distribution of the Fund’s limited resources.

Representatives are encouraged to make a recommendation on the amount of grant.

Occasionally the Trustees are unable to make a grant as sometimes the applicant is not eligible and at others it is felt that there is not sufficient financial need.

As people’s circumstances can change the Trustees request that, if applicants are on a regular/termly grant, an annual review is made (see Types of Grant).

Confidentiality is essential. Applicants often need reassuring that the details of their predicament are forwarded only to the Trustees. Once this is made clear applicants are often able to share their anxieties more readily.

FINANCE

The Edridge Fund receives a regular quarterly donation from Napo. Although this helps the fund considerably, it still only represents a portion of the income required to meet the current level of grants, which increase year by year. Special events are organised locally or nationally for fund raising for Edridge.

In order for the fund to continue giving grants that really help to meet need, it is vital that individual colleagues continue to support it. This can be done in various way including:

1. Gift Aid A good systematic method of support by regular giving either via your County Treasurer or your Bank. By completing a Gift Aid form the donation can be increased by 28p for each £1 given. (See Appendix 6)

2. 50/50 Club A monthly draw for an annual stake (See Appendix 5)

3. Fundraising Supporting special fund raising events organised locally or nationally.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENT

Adopted by the Trustees on 7th June 1991

Within the limits proposed by the Trust Deed regarding:

1. The categories of people eligible to benefit

2. The criterion of need

In particular the Trustees adopt the Napo Equal Opportunities Statement which says that there will be no discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation or marital status. The Trustees will endeavour to ensure the local representatives are aware of and abide by the Equal Opportunities Statement and that potential beneficiaries are aware of the statement.

EDRIDGE NATIONAL OFFICE

Richard Martin, the Secretary of the Fund and the Administrative Secretary are happy to help with any queries you may have. Please contact us at the above address and number. If we are not in please leave a message on the answerphone. Personalised Edridge stationery is available on request as are any of the forms contained within this booklet.

RETIRED STAFF

(Including Widows or Widowers of the Service)

There is a wide variety of support given by different probation areas to retired staff in general. There is no national organised arrangement for supporting retired staff. This policy paper draws together a selection of some of the current activities that are available and is not exhaustive.

1. Database of retired staff

Each probation headquarters should have a list of retired staff in their area. However, if this is not the case then the County Treasurer will certainly have a list of those to whom pensions are being paid. The problem that arises may be that on retirement people move about the country and, therefore, unless it happens by chance, there may be retired probation staff in your area about whom nothing is known.

2. Methods of keeping in touch

Many CPOs have their own tea/lunch parties when all retired staff are invited. This can be once a year or more often. Usually Edridge reps get themselves invited to this type of function where news can be shared.

3. Newsletters

Some reps send newsletters, either of their own volition or together with other newsletters that are sent out by the County or other local bodies. Sometimes one or more active retired member helps with the production of such a newsletter and keeping in touch with others. There are areas where groups of retired staff meet together for social occasions in friendship and through those keep in touch with the local rep as to the health of each other.

4. Christmas contact

Some Reps send Christmas cards to retired members and we, from the national office, send cards when requested by reps to various members. The Trustees give grants at Christmas to a number of people, mostly because of historical reasons. We now wish to phase out ‘gift’ type grants at Christmas, as they are against Charity Commission policy and only give when need is clear.

5. Fundraising

It is known that retired members can help very much with fund raising and this can be and extremely good way of involving them in the Fund’s activities.

APPENDICES

1. Trustees and Reps Contact List - see website under Trustees & Reps

2. Application Form - download from website (see Apply for Assistance) or apply on-line.

3. Gift Aid Form - download from website (see Gift Aid)

4. 50/50 Club form - download from website (see The 50/50 Club)

5. All about Edridge leaflet - download from website (see All About Us)

6. Other Charitable Organisations are listed below:

Independent Age
6 Avonmore Road
London W14 8RL
Tel: 020 7605 4200
www.independentage.org.uk

Helping older people on low incomes to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

The Family Fund
Unit 4, Alpha Court
Monks Cross Drive
York YO32 9WN
Tel: 01904 621115
www.familyfund.org.uk

For families with severely disabled or seriously ill children.

British Dyslexia Association
Unit 8, Bracknell Beeches
Old Bracknell Lane
Bracknell, RG12 7BW
National Helpline: 0845 251 9002
www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

Dyslexia friendly society enabling all dyslexic people to reach their potential.

Stroke Association
Stroke House, 240 City Road
London EC1V 2PR
Tel: 020 7566 0300
www.stroke.org.uk

Professional Classes Aid Council
10 St Christopher’s Place
London, W1U 1HZ
Tel: 020 7935 0641
www.pcac.org.uk

Provides help and assistance to professional people and their families overtaken by adverse circumstances.

The Frank Buttle Trust
Audley House
13 Palace Street
London SW1E 5HX
Tel: 020 7828 7311
www.buttletrust.org

To ensure that children and young people in desperate need are given a brighter future.

Association of Wheelchair Children
6 Woodman Parade
North Woolwich
London E16 2LL
Tel: 0870 121 0050
www.wheelchairchildren.org.uk

Helping children with wheelchairs become independently mobile.

Invalids at Home
Mrs Mary Rose
Bamford Cottage
South Hill Avenue
Harrow
HA1 3PA
Tel: 0208 864 3818

Small one-off grants for people severaly disabled or long-term sick and living at home.

Elizabeth Finn Trust
(formerly Distressed Gentlefolk Assoc)
1 Derry Street
London W8 5YH
Tel: 020 7396 6700
www.elizabethfinntrust.org.uk

1. Those Present

Anne King, David Cox, Mick Brittain, Richard Martin

2 Apologies
Wendy Jones

3. Election of Edridge Chair for the year.

Anne King was nominated by David Cox, seconded by Mick Brittain, and was unanimously elected Chair

4. Decisions on the form of the meetings today

The Chair suggested that the existing edridge only items on the agenda be dealt with at 2 p.m. after the meeting with napo officers, so that planning for the noon meeting with officers can take place. Agreed.After full discussion, it was agreed that we should present the following plans to the napo officers as follows:-
1. That a short life sub committee of edridge be set up with the remit:-
a) To develop the strategy for publicising and marketing the fund
b) To fund raise, with the suggested targetting for fundraising to be :-
1. Deductions from Salary
2. Individual donations
3. legacy giving
c) To rebrand the Edridge image; it was suggested that we use real Human stories (agreed by applicants )

The suggested members of the committee to be David Cox, Richard Martin, A napo officer, An outside expert in Publicity and Fundraising

5. Election of Edridge Trustees

After discussion, it was agreed that napo be asked to re advertise the posts, with a particular addition that, for preference, we seek applicants who have PR and Fundraising experience.

6. Meeting with napo officers

Mike McLelland, Duncan Hume, Tim Wilson, and Theresa Boorman from napo joined the meeting. Jonathon Ledger gave his apologies.
The Edridge chair, Anne King, proposed the plans outlined above for a working party and election of new trustees in a detailed introduction. She also emphasised that the trustees were aware of the concerns that napo have regarding governance costs and the proposed costs to improve PR and Marketing.
The napo officers stated that they indeed had concerns about costs, and were pleased edridge was addressing them. David Cox explained the figures for this year, with greater grant making and less governance costs.
Mike Mclelland stated that there may be less applications in future as Trainees were to be recruited instead of TPOs. He was also concerned that the napo info included only 17 reps. Richard said this was incorrect, and will send Mike our full listMike also highlighted the forthcoming retired members meeting at napo AGM, suggesting that this may be of benefit to edridge. David and Richard will attend.
Napo have appointed 2 National officers to promote napo nationally, one being Mike McClelland, the other Mr Singh. Edridge may be able to benefit from this.
It was suggested that edridge should use Napo News and the Napo website more.
Napo Officers agreed with the suggested structure of the edridge sub committee, and Duncan Hume and Tim Wilson both agreed to participate fully at an email level, and hopefully attend meetings if possible.It was suggested that Judy McKnight be asked to become a committee member.
All present were also requested to look for a suitably qualified expert to join. Websites of Fundraising bodies to be contactedBriefing notes relating to the “Napo Fund” meeting and discussions were requested by napo officers, Richard to draft.The joint meeting ended, with both napo officers and edridge trustees agreeing that the bond between the two bodies had been strengthened by this meeting, and should continue to do so in future.

Edridge trustee meeting continued

7. Minutes of meeting 10.07.08

These were agreed and signed, having been amended by the deletion of the first paragraph of para 11.

8. Matters arising

a) TPO and ComputersTo be placed on next agenda
b) Trustee Policy documentRichard agreed to prepare this for the next meeting.

9. Applications

These were largely dealt with, however time did not allow application No’s 50 to 52 to be considered, and so trustees will do so as soon as possible outside of this meeting.

10. Treasurers report

David spoke to his written report, stating that a much larger amount of interest had been gained this year. He considers we have invested appropriately, although suffering with value fluctuations due to the international financial difficulties.
The trustees agreed a change of signatory for all bank accounts, deleting Wendy and adding Anne. David has obtained the documents for the Unity Bank change, and will contact the other banks to get the same and send the forms out for signature.
The trustees formally ratified the accounts for 2007, the chair on behalf of the trustees thanked David for all his hard work.Richard and David will meet before the next meeting to consider financial matters, including banking arrangements.

11. CAFCASS

Richard is to write to Paul Bishop, National Vice Chair, to encourage communication between Edridge and Cafcass.

12. Christmas cards

Richard reported that these were ordered, and will be available at Napo AGM

13. Napo AGM

Mick, David, Wendy and Richard will be attending. Edridge stand to be changed to emphasise the strengthening of relations between napo and edridge

14. Oral History project

No more information as to income to edridge

15. Charity Commission News

Nothing to report

16. Reps conference –review

This item should be considered by new PR sub Committee

17. Any other business

Next meeting 4.12.08 ( confirmed to be at GFTU)

Richard to draft list of next years meetings, adding a meeting in January or February to tie in with new trustee appointments

___________________________________________________________________________________________

NB : Copies of previous minutes can be supplied by e mail from the Secretary at edridge@btinternet.com
The minutes of the Fund's AGM on 10/7/2008 have not been published on this website previously, but as stated above can be obtained from the Secretary.

Most Probation and Cafcass areas have an Edridge Rep who deals with enquiries and encourages colleagues to support the fund.

Most applications for help come through the Reps - although people can contact the Edridge Secretary, Richard Martin or a Trustee.

The Trustees meet about six times a year to consider applications. In emergencies applications can be processed quickly.

The Edridge Fund exists to provide money, support and help to people who need it. This could mean cash to help cope with a crisis, a sympathetic ear, professional support or help to organise stress counselling ... or anything else that we can do in your particular situation.

We are allowed to help if your job makes you eligible to join Napo (the Trades Union and Professional Association for Family Court and Probation Staff), even if you are not a member. We can also help if you are retired and Edridge can help families and dependents if the eligible person dies. Edridge gives help to people like you who need it, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Application is swift, confidential and involves completion of just one form. This is available from the Fund’s National Secretary, Richard Martin, at the address below or from your local Edridge Representative. Alternatively click here to print a copy of the form.

The Edridge ‘Benevolent Trust’ was set up in 1934 in memory of Sydney Edridge - the founder and first General Secretary of Napo. It was established in response to a real need to ‘alleviate cases of distress amongst serving and retired Officers’ and gives approximately £30,000 a year to people in need. Today Edridge is an independent registered Charity run by five Trustees. The Trustees are appointed by Napo, which makes a substantial donation to the Fund.

Edridge can offer financial help on the basis of demonstrated need. Applications are assessed individually, with input from local Reps where appropriate, and grants are designed to help towards the applicant’s specific requirements.

With a little help from our friends...

If you’re there for us now, we can be there for you in the future. Click here if you would like to make a donation.

• Do you pay Tax?
• Are you giving, or would you like to give, money to the Edridge Fund?

If you answered YES to both questions then you can use Gift Aid to add 28p to every £1 you give, at no extra cost to yourself.

Most of us have to pay tax. With Gift Aid, if you pay tax the Inland Revenue gives back to the charity the tax on any money donated for charitable purposes. All you need to do is fill in the Gift Aid declaration and the charity will do the rest to boost the value of your donation by 28 per cent.

If you are unsure whether your donations qualify for Gift Aid tax relief, please ask the charity or ask your local tax office for leaflet IR113 Gift Aid.

Donations can be made in various forms and can be cancelled at any time by notifying the charity. Donations could be made in any of the following ways:

• Standing order from your bank
• Direct deduction from your salary
• Cheque made payable to the Edridge Fund
• If you would like to start donating please click here

Your questions answered:

How often do I fill in a Gift Aid declaration?

Only once. It will remain for as long as you remain a taxpayer or until you choose to cancel it

Is there a minimum amount?

No, you can give whatever amount you want but it must be done in one of the ways shown above

How do I donate using Gift Aid?

Whichever way is most convenient for you - monthly, quarterly or annually - by cheque or standing order

What happens if I already have a deed of covenant with the Edridge Fund?

All Deeds of Covenant have now expired so please contact Edridge to ask for a Gift Aid Declaration form if you have not already done so.

If you would like to start donating to the Edridge Fund please print out the Gift Aid declaration, fill in the details and return it to:

The Edridge Fund, The Limes, Lynn Road, Gayton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. PE32 1QJ

The Edridge Fund complies with the principles of data protection as outlined in the Data Protection Act.

Rukba
6 Avonmore Road
London W14 8RL
Tel: 020 7605 4200
http://www.independentage.org.uk
Helping older people on low incomes to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

The Family Fund
Unit 4, Alpha Court
York YO32 9WN
Tel: 01904 621115
http://www.familyfund.org.uk
For families with severely disabled or seriously ill children.

British Dyslexia Association
98 London Road
Reading, RG1 5AU
Tel: 0118 966 8271
http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

Stroke Association
240 City Road
London EC1V 2PR
Tel: 0845 3033 100
http://www.stroke.org.uk

Professional Classes Aid Council
10 St Christopher’s Place
London, W1U 1HZ
http://www.guide-information.org.uk

The Buttle Trust
Audley House
13 Palace Street
London SW1E 5HX
Tel: 020 7828 7311
http://www.buttletrust.org

For children and young people

Association of Wheelchair Children
6 Woodman Parade
North Woolwich
London E16 2LL
Tel: 0870 121 0050
http://www.wheelchairchildren.org.uk

Invalids at Home
Mrs Mary Rose
Bamford Cottage
South Hill Avenue
Harrow
HA1 3PA
Tel: 0208 864 3818
For long term ill and severely disabled people at home.

Elizabeth Finn Trust
(formerly Distressed Gentlefolk Assoc)
1 Derry Street
London W8 5YH
Tel: 020 7396 6700
http://www.elizabethfinntrust.org.uk

The Edridge Fund may be able to help you. Application is swift and confidential, and involves completion of just one form. To apply simply print out the application form, fill it in and either post it to us or send the completed file in an email.

We are allowed to help if your job makes you eligible to join the National Association of Probation Officers (Napo), even if you are not a member. We can also help if you are retired and Edridge can help families and dependents if the eligible person dies. Edridge gives help to people like you who need it, so don't be afraid to ask.

Eligible parties include:

• All employees of the Service who are eligible to be members of Napo
• Retired Staff
• Bereaved Partners, Spouses and Dependents of the above.

Edridge operates only on the basis of demonstrated need. Applications are assessed individually and grants are designed to help towards the applicant's specific requirements.

APPLY NOW:
Click here to download the Application Form

NB: if you are unable to download this form, please contact either your Edridge Rep or the Gayton office to obtain a copy.

EXPLANATORY NOTES FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM

It is expected that all applications will be dealt with by the Trustees within three weeks. However, in cases of extreme emergency decisions can often be made within a very short time.

Whilst the headings listed under Monthly Income and Monthly Expenditure are largely self-explanatory, some applicants have been unclear particularly relating to the following headings.

• Entertainment, leisure, holidays:
This monthly figure should include such items as gym member-ship, going out to the cinema, for meals, etc.
and should include the pro-rata monthly cost of holidays (if any).

• Food and household expenses:
This relates to the monthly cost of food shopping as well as cleaning materials, pet food, newspapers, etc.

Please note that if, for any reason, you do not wish your local Edridge Rep to be aware of your application this should be clearly stated on your form.

• Direct deduction from your salary (if this is performed by your Payroll Department)
• Standing order from your bank. Please print out these two pages: click here and here

NB: if you are unable to download this form, please contact either your Edridge Rep or the Gayton office to obtain a copy.

• Cheque made payable to the Edridge Fund. Post this to: The Edridge Fund, The Limes, Lynn Road, Gayton, Kings Lynn PE32 1QJ

Or ... donate online, securely, using your credit/debit card:

Gift Aid – click here for details on Gift Aiding your donation.

The Edridge Fund complies with the principles of data protection as outlined in the Data Protection Act.

Fundraising events are organised locally or nationally for Edridge.

In order for the Fund to continue giving grants that really help to meet need, it is vital that individual colleagues continue to support it. A good systematic method of support is regular giving either via your County Treasurer or your Bank. By completing a Gift Aid form you can increase your donation by 28p for each £1 given.

Please act now and make a real contribution to your welfare fund. You can make a donation by clicking here or apply for assistance here.

Representatives are also encouraged to offer personal support should this be welcomed by any applicant. This role is, therefore, of vital importance to the Branch and to the operation of the Fund. The Edridge Representatives and Trustees treat every application in the strictest confidence. These are considered at regular meetings throughout the year or, in response to crises, between meetings.