Elderly To Expect Brighter Winter

Registered Charities and Community Groups in Beverley and the surrounding areas are being encouraged to bid for funding to help the elderly this winter.

The HEY Smile Foundation, which provides funding and mentoring for small, independent charities, has earmarked £2,000 to help elderly people in the town as the cold-weather sets in and grants of up to £250 are available.

The money has been made available thanks to a £20,000 donation from Sargent Electrical Services, of Woodmansey.

Andy Barber, the Smile Foundation’s charity manager, said: “Sargent Electrical is a great supporter of the Smile Foundation and, through our partnership, I have been heavily involved in supporting charities across East Yorkshire. Thanks to its donation, we have allocated £2,000 of funding to specifically help Beverley-based community groups to organise things such as Christmas parties and events to help the elderly this winter.

Applications for funding will be accepted from today, and community groups and registered charities are encouraged to apply.

Steve Swales, an advisor at the Cherry Tree Community Association in Beverley, has welcomed the funding announcement.

He said:

“We run a pensioners’ group every week and would definitely be interested in applying for a grant. The elderly are struggling with their heating bills as the East Riding is one of the highest areas for fuel poverty, which is quite surprising. Grants like this would really help.”

Ann Sargent, of Sargent Electrical, said she was delighted the money donated by the company would be used to help elderly people in the town.

She said:

“We have been working with the Smile Foundation for about nine months. It is fantastic that they help a number of charities so local people can benefit. Local charities don’t always get the recognition they deserve. We hope this money goes a long way to helping those in need.”

Community groups of registered charities can apply for grants by e-mailing ss@heysmilefoundation.org or call the charity on 01482 590270. When applying please include your charity or community group name (charity number if applicable), contact details, how much funding been applied for and what the funding will be used for.

The deadline for grant applications is 10am on Thursday, November 13.