Local charities working to support disadvantaged older people are being encouraged to apply to the Pargiter Trust Grants Programme for funding.

Administered by the Guernsey Community Foundation (The Foundation), applications for this year’s Pargiter Trust Grants Programme open on Thursday 2 April for a month (closing on 1 May, 2020).

The Trust is particularly interested in projects that focus on enhancing health and well-being of older people together with improving access to facilities, advice and training. Charities will also be involved in overcoming problems such as helping older people who are experiencing difficult circumstances due to an illness, injury, disability, bereavement or financial.

Jim Roberts, chief executive of the Guernsey Community Foundation, said: “Since acting for the Pargiter Trust we have distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds to charities who work with older people across the Bailiwick.

“We know that older people are disproportionately affected by the current lockdown, and that many charities are facing extra demands for their services, so we’re strongly encouraging organisations who need extra funding to come forward.”

Arts for Impact and St Peter’s Church were two charities who received funding from the Pargiter Trust last year.

Arts for Impact creates opportunities for older people in the Bailiwick to both access and participate in art to support people’s health and wellbeing. It received a grant of £5,000 to help fund the charity’s work with people in residential care living with dementia.

St Peter’s Church received a grant of £10,000 which went towards the installation of an assisted toilet and kitchen facilities for its community café which provides a valuable amenity for older people living alone in the parish.

Charities wishing to receive funding are asked to apply via the Community Foundation. They also need to include a copy of their annual accounts and evidence that they operate satisfactory safeguarding measures.

“We know charities will have a lot on their plate at the moment. We’re happy to help make the application process as quick and painless as possible,” said Mr Roberts.

For further information or assistance to complete the form, contact anna@foundation.gg. Applications close on 1 May, 2020.