Vital help at hand for clergy and their families
A wide range of grants and services are available to Anglican clergy and their families from Clergy Support Trust. Last year the charity helped more than 2,200 households, including 18% of all beneficed and licensed clergy in the Church of England, as well as clergy households in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Diocese in Europe.
The majority of the trust’s grants are available for households which meet a simple savings and property threshold, this includes help for emergencies or unexpected expenses, with many families in touch due to the cost-of-living crisis and high energy bills. Clergy Support Trust also provides help with physical and mental health, including diagnostic tests, counselling and help with insomnia or poor sleep.
Mark from Weston-super-Mare described how he applied to the Trust: “I asked Clergy Support Trust if they could help with a contribution towards a mobility scooter. An Occupational Therapist visited and advised me on the best one for my needs and she gave me some helpful tips to help me around the house as well.
“The big difference the scooter has made is that I don’t have to worry about being away from the car. Now I can go up the beach or do shopping. I can go for walks with my wife again and have fish and chips on the pier. All this would have been impossible before. To anyone considering approaching Clergy Support Trust I would just say simply do it.”
Clergy Support Trust, which is independent from the Church, confidential and inclusive, can also fund holidays, retreats and respite breaks, fitness and leisure or sabbaticals.
The Revd Ben Cahill-Nicholls, Chief Executive of Clergy Support Trust: ““At this challenging time we are helping more people than ever: ordinands with health needs and an e-book library, and our wider grants and services programme is supporting women and men at all stages of ministry, and those in retirement.
“It is a great privilege to be there for those who do so much in their communities. I encourage clergy and their families to get in touch. My team and I are honoured to be there for those whose days are filled supporting others.”
Clergy households can find out more, including using Clergy Support Trust’s quick eligibility checker via clergysupport.org.uk, calling 0800 389 5192 or by e-mailing grants@clergysupport.org.uk.