Charities

The Corporation of the Sons of the Clergy (CSOC)

CSOC is a charity that has been supporting clergy families since 1655. The Registrar, Robert Welsford, writes, "CSOC can help the separated and divorced wives or husband of clergy, provided that the clergy spouse still retains Anglican Holy Orders." They will also help separated or divorced wives of clergy of the Church of Ireland, the Church in Wales and the Scottish Episcopal Church. Grants are given for a particular purpose and not normally given more often than once a year. All grants are discretionary and applicants are means-tested when they apply. All applicants need to complete an application form obtained from their office (See below) The grants may be given:-

	where there are dependent children, the Corporation is able to consider help with maintenance costs to the parent who draws the government Child Benefit.
	for children over the age of 11, grants towards education expenses can be considered, including school uniform, school trips, school travel and music lessons.
	in some circumstances, grants may also be available for school fees
	where a single parent is employed, help may be considered towards child-minding costs.
	grants can also be made to assist with removal and refurnishing expenses, and help can be considered towards debts.
	for applicants not in tied accommodation, help can be considered with house repairs.
	help with heating costs can be considered for pensioners.

Their sister charity, the Friends of the Clergy Corporation (FOCC) can also help in certain other areas. For many years, the CSOC and the FOCC have worked very closely together. However, since January 2005 the two charities have a single trustee body common to both corporations. This has enabled them to provide a co-ordinated response to applications for assistance.

The most important effects of the new arrangements is:-

	a single common application form for both charities
	a unified procedure for the administration of grants
	the needs of applicants are considered in their entirety by the two charities together.

Robert Welsford concludes, "There will be no immediate change to our area of help and, in particular, we will continue to be able to assist in cases of separation and divorce as we have up until now."

For more details, or application form, visit email: enquiries@clergycharities.org.uk www.clergycharities.org.uk or phone 020 7799 3696 The address is 1 Dean Trench Street, London SW1P 3HB

The Foundation of Edward Storey

This charity has been providing help and accommodation to ladies in financial need and they offer a number of services to those who have a professional connection to the Church of England like sheltered accommodation, from self-contained bungalows with a warden service, to a residential home with 24-hour care. They also provide grants and loans to women in financial difficulty.

The amount and nature (ie grant or loan) depends on the type of help required, and all decisions are at the discretion of the Board of Trustees. Please contact the Foundation if you would like an application form to apply for a grant.

email: info@edwardstorey.org.uk or visit http://www.edwardstorey.org.uk or phone 01223 364405

Their address is Storey's House, Mount Pleasant, Cambridge CB3 0BZ

RUKBA (The Royal United Kingdon Beneficent Association)

	financial help in times of crisis
	grants for mobility equipment
	nursing care and help with fees
	a network of volunteer visitors who offer the very important emotional support that regular contact brings.
	a regular extra income

To address the concerns of many older people, Rukba had published a free guide called "60 WISE! - Your essential guide to enjoying an independent life in later years." The guide contains clear information on crucial topics such as money matters, help at home and home security, plus advice about moving into residential or nursing care. It also lists useful phone numbers, information of grants, benefits and helpful organisations.

To find out more about Rukba's work or to request a free copy of "60-WISE!" Telephone 08457 58 56 80 , e-mail louise.latham@rukba.org.uk or visit their website www.rukba.org.uk

Elizabeth Finn Trust

The Trust may provide grants, regular allowances of one-off gifts for specific needs to those who face hardship and have less than £16,000 capital - excluding the value of their home. They also give help towards fees in residential or nursing hones - other than those provided by the Trust.

Visit their website for more details. www.elizabethfinntrust.org.uk or write to 1 Derry Street, London W8 5HY Telephone 0207 396 6700

Care for the Family

This charity produces a free newsletter for single parent families entitled "Single Parent Family. They can be contacted on www.singleparentfamily@cff.org.uk or at Freepost (CF4636), Cardiff, CF15 7GZ

Newton's Trust (C of E)

Newton's Trust is established by Portsmouth Diocese to provide financial assistance to widows or unmarried daughters of deceased clergymen and to divorced or separated wives of clergymen of the Church of England, the Church in Wales and the Scottish Episcopal Church. Applications are considered by the grants committee appointed by the Trustees, and one time cash grants are made at their discretion.

Visit their website for more details Newton's Trust or email: enquiries@lichfield-cathedral.org or write to

The Secretary at the Chapter House, 19a The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LD or phone 01543 306104