The Charity may be able to help an individual or family if the person(s) needing help:
- Live(s) in Christchurch, permanently or temporarily
(Temporary accommodation could, for example, be a safe house or hostel, or a result of placement by BCP or the probation service, or any other similar reason). - Live(s) just outside Christchurch but it is impracticable or impossible to get help elsewhere as a result of poor transport links or some other overriding reason
- Live(s) in Christchurch but with no fixed address. For example, is or are homeless.
(“Christchurch” means Highcliffe, Walkford, Mudeford, Stanpit, Somerford, Purewell, Burton, Christchurch Town, Fairmile, Jumpers, and Hurn – most, but not all, of the BH23 area.)
The persons(s) must be in severe financial need and not able to afford necessities and/or suffering hardship through illness or infirmity (whether mental or physical). The grant could, for example, be for day to day necessities, a disability or medical aid, for respite care, or for something else that would reduce suffering or distress.
If in doubt about whether or how to apply, still apply and the Charity will provide guidance.
Please note:
- that the Charity does not provide help for counselling, but please view the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy website for advice.
- that the Charity will expect an application to be made first to the following organisations in the following circumstances:
- For furniture, household goods, or carpets an approach should be made to The Christchurch Furniture Project based at Christchurch Foodbank + or other similar charity such as Dorset Reclaim.
- For urgent financial help less than £200 an approach should be made to Christchurch Foodbank + or the Christchurch Community Partnership to access their Hardship Fund which is mainly funded by the Charity.
Application Form
You can fill in the form either by:
- Completing the form below and submitting electronically using the Submit link at the end of the form; or by
- Clicking the download link below, printing the form, completing it and either scanning and returning by email, or by post, using the contact details on the Contact Us page.
- If you cannot print or complete electronically, contacting the Clerk to the Charity using the contact details on the Contact Us page to request a form by post.
When the Clerk receives your form the Charity will let you know whether or not you are likely to be eligible for help. If it thinks you are, then it will assess how best to proceed with your application and provide you with further information. Please bear in mind the purpose of the form is only to see if you the applicant is likely to be eligible. A visit by the Clerk is often necessary and further, more detailed, information may be requested depending on the nature of the application and the sum involved.
If you apply electronically you will receive an email response but if by post, although the Charity will usually be able to respond within 14 days, occasionally it may take up to a month.