Applying for assistance

The WRNS Benevolent Trust is a small Charity. We have no caseworkers of our own and therefore work mainly with the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association – Forces Help (SSAFA Forces Help), and their caseworkers call on any applicant on our behalf. They are discreet and knowledgeable, and can give friendly support and advice on a wide variety of matters. They complete a report, which is then put before our Grants Committee for consideration. All applications are treated with strict confidentiality and there is no need for anyone to know other than SSAFA, ourselves and of course the people directly concerned. Even the Grants Committee who consider each case are not given names or addresses, only a case number and the relevant details required in order to reach a decision.

Members of the Grants Committee (including those now serving in the RN) are all ex-Wrens, and give their time and assistance voluntarily. Although SSAFA Forces Help is our main source for caseworkers we do sometimes use other organisations. Members may apply to us for help direct or a relation or friend does so on their behalf. With the member’s consent we then contact the appropriate organisation in his or her area and arrange for caseworker to visit.

Regular Grants

Weekly Annuities

For those living on a low income who find they are unable to manage, these grants can make a significant difference when they are finding it difficult to make ends meet, or can help to pay for a few little extras otherwise unaffordable.

Amenity Grants

Regular installments to help towards the payment of bills, clothing or perhaps household goods.

All Regular Grants are reviewed on an annual basis, which means we are kept informed of the individual's welfare and can reassess their needs as required.

Other Grants

As well as the regular grants detailed above we award many 'one-off' grants. These can be to help with arrears or debts, removal or travel costs, convalescence care, education, household goods and repairs, medical aids and in some cases, funerals. There is an upper ceiling on these grants so if the total cost is beyond that, with the assistance of SSAFA Forces Help, we trawl other eligible charities for their help. For example, we may be unable to meet the full cost of a stair-lift or motorised scooter but an amount is pledged and the outstanding balance met by approaching other charities; the money is always raised somehow.

Applications for assistance can be made direct to the Grants Administrator (grantsadmin@wrnsbt.org.uk) at the Trust, or through SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) www.ssafa.org.uk or The Royal British Legion www.britishlegion.org.uk/can-we-help who have an extensive range of services available to help you.

Examples of how we have been able to help ex-Wrens recently:

For more detailed information on how we have been able to assist members in the past please see our Annual Report and Accounts for 2009.

[IMAGE] PDF IconAnnual Report and Accounts for 2009. (Adobe Acrobat PDF Download)

Some members are not in financial need but may need guidance on certain matters. If we are unable to answer their questions ourselves we liaise with the appropriate organisations on their behalf.


Thank You Letters

"(The SSAFA caseworker)... has just been here to deliver your cheque for £500.00! I am most grateful to you for this generous gift. Please pass on my thanks to the WRNS Benevolent Trust for their support. I know my late wife would be so happy to know that her service in the Navy had been recognised in this most generous manner. Thank you for your suggestions of other organisations which may be able to help." (Grant towards funeral expenses).

"On behalf of the family of... I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your most generous grant towards a comfortable chair for Mum to sit in whilst in the local nursing home. The chair has now arrived and what a difference it has made... her face is so much more relaxed and this alone shows us how grateful she is, and if able to converse she would also show her appreciation with a word of thanks. We cannot thank you enough as we did not know such assistance was available, and the quick response was amazing. Mum was very proud to be a Wren and used to relate her experiences to us."

"I would like to thank you very much for the money you sent... which has given us a beautiful and much needed bathroom... Both you and the RNBT have been very considerate in providing the funds that were needed. Your kindness is greatly appreciated, and we are delighted with the outcome; it is absolutely wonderful. Thank you again from both of us."

"Mum and I will never be able to thank you enough for all you have done for us... having the riser recliner chair will make so much difference to mum... it will also give us peace of mind as she will be able to get rid of some of the furniture in the sitting room, allowing her to use her walker properly and have less chance of falling over things. The wheelchair is going to make so much difference to both of us, as I can take mum out again properly and we can have our walks by the sea which we both love... this will also give her peace of mind as she always worries about my back."

"A few words to... the Benevolent Trust, and the wonderful work you do for people in need - for that is what I was. I have not had help before; my life has been one endless battle, and the gratitude I feel for your charitable organisation is beyond bounds. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I do hope you get lots of sponsorship this year, also for the future." (Grant towards a washing machine, a television and help with a fuel bill).