A historic Tamworth charity fund which was set up to help improve the lives of local residents, has awarded individuals a total of £3,525.
Tamworth Municipal Charities has been administered by Tamworth Borough Council since 1868 when it was established by philanthropists who wanted to help relieve financial hardship for local people at a time when state assistance was non-existent.
Over the years it has provided financial aid to those in need, typically awarding grants of between £100 and £500. Originally this took the form of cash handouts, but has also included the provision of washing machines, cookers, disabled aids, help towards the cost of visiting relatives in hospital, or respite care.
The funds are created from the authority’s returns on investments and the board of trustees consider requests for help from people in need who live in Tamworth, or from organisations which offer help and support to those in need.
This year a total of 32 applications were considered to receive an allocation of the £3,500 fund pot. Successful local people were awarded funds to help with items that include:
- £250 towards a powered wheelchair
- £200 for a washing machine
- £300 for a mattress
- £300 for a fridge-freezer
- £250 for a gas cooker
- £100 for a child’s bed
- £75 towards a touch screen computer
- £100 towards carpet
- £100 towards flooring
- £150 for double bed base
Various awards of between £100 and £300 for white goods appliances.
Over the years the fund has helped many individual residents and organisations such Dementia Caring, Choices, Make Lunch Stonydelph, 1st Wilnecote Guide Unit, Belgrave Community Allotment & Garden, Spin, Coton Centre and Coton Green Church. This year the funds were given directly to local Tamworth people.
Anica Goodwin, Tamworth Borough Council’s Executive Director Organisation and Secretary of Tamworth Municipal Charities, said: “This charity fund is a lasting legacy from the town’s ancestors and has helped hundreds of people and organisations over the years. While it’s only relatively small, the fund can make a huge difference to those in need which is why it has continued for more than 150 years.
“The funds can be used from anything from helping pay for unexpected costs, respite care, white goods and much more. We are thankful that these funds can be used to help people in our community who need our support the most.”
If you need help or advice on paying bills, setting up a bank account, debt management, or information on receiving benefits you may be entitled to, then contact The Tamworth Advice Centre (TAC) on 0300 330 9002, Monday to Friday, 10.00am - 4.00pm
E-mail: citizensadvice@citizensadvicemidmercia.org.uk.
Website: www.citizensadvicemidmercia.org.uk/support-in-tamworth/.
Or for help and advice on managing debt, you can contact: National Debt Line – 0808 808 4000 (Mon-Fri: 9am-9pm, Sat: 9.30am-1pm).