Pargiter Trust to help charities working with older people

Local charities supporting older people are being encouraged to apply for financial assistance via the Pargiter Trust’s Grants Programme.

The Guernsey Community Foundation, which makes payments on behalf of the Trust, is now accepting applications for the first round of this year’s Pargiter Trust Grants Programme, which is open from now until the end of March.

The Trust is particularly interested in services and initiatives that enhance the health and well-being of people aged 65 and above, as well as projects which help older people to access facilities, advice, and training. Applications are also welcomed from charities who help older people overcome difficult circumstances relating to illness, injury, disability, bereavement, or poverty.

Jim Roberts, chief executive of the Foundation, said: “On behalf of the Pargiter Trust, the Foundation has distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds to charities whose focus in on helping older people. We know that covid has hit charities hard, and we would encourage any non-profit organisation who works with older people to contact us to find out more about the help on offer.”

Over the last few years, dozens of local charities have benefited from Pargiter grants, including Carers Coming Together, Guernsey Hard of Hearing Association, Milly’s Foundation, Headway, Guernsey Bereavement Service, Men’s Shed, St John’s Residential, Styx Community Centre, the Guille Allez Library, Dementia Friendly Guernsey, Age Concern, St Peter’s Church, Tin Whistle and Tumaini.

Mike Starkey, Pargiter Trust, Trustee said: “There is no doubt that Covid has impacted all areas of our community and no more so than our older people, sometimes crisis is an opportunity to reshape our thinking. There is a need to better understand the impact Covid has had on the community and how best to learn and move forward using what has been discovered during this challenging time.

“Whilst Guernsey was able to provide significant financial support during the heights of the pandemic it is important that ongoing support remains available albeit the nature of the support may look different.

“Pargiter Trust remains committed to supporting our Guernsey charities and I hope to see many applications in our next round.”

Charities can request an application form and more information by emailing grants@foundation.gg . Upon applying, organisations will need to include a copy of their annual accounts and evidence of satisfactory safeguarding measures.