Barchester foundation

Helping older people and other adults with disabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

All of our applications are vetted on a case by case basis, allocating funds to those who demonstrate greatest need. Here is a selection of some of our most frequently asked questions:

Individuals

I think I fit your criteria; can I apply on my own?

No. All applications for an individual must be supported by a third party sponsor, like a health care professional, doctor or counsellor. For more examples of who could sponsor your application please contact our administrator for guidance.

I am elderly, live on my own and my TV has just broken. I am not in a financial position to buy a new one, would the Foundation be able to help?

If you can demonstrate good cause that you are unable to buy a new TV, this would be something the Trustees could consider.

I have limited mobility and a scooter would allow me to get on with everyday life - would the foundation be able to help?

Maintaining a reasonable quality of life as a disabled individual is integral to our mission. We would consider purchasing or part-funding a mobility scooter should the recipient show demonstrable need and benefit.

I have a disability and want to return to education so I may improve my quality of life, possibly leading to future employment, can you help?

Where funding is not available from the Local Education Authority the Trustees would consider applications for further and diploma education courses.

I need a new wheelchair and the option the local hospital offered me is a bit tatty. Could the foundation buy me a new one?

If statutory services have offered a piece of equipment to an individual's benefit it is unlikely that we would provide funds for a better model.

I want to live independently of my family. Would the Foundation fund an extension to our home?

Unfortunately major building works, such as housing extensions, fall into our exclusions policy.

I want to apply for funding but cannot find a third party sponsor. Can I fill the form in myself?

The Barchester Healthcare Foundation does not accept applications submitted by the intended beneficiary or their immediate family.

Groups/Organisations

We run a social group for elderly members in the community and would really like to take our members on a day trip to Oxford. We are raising funds, through coffee mornings and raffles but would appreciate any financial help you can give - could the foundation help?

The trustees would consider applications from small community groups providing activities for older people and other adults with disabilities. The trustees would consider making a contribution towards social activities, outings or events.

We have been running a pilot project for dementia suffers in our local area. The scheme is working very well and our members are improving on a weekly basis. We would like to widen our catchment area but do not have enough equipment to go round, can the foundation help?

The foundation would consider supporting innovative pilot projects that make a real difference to the lives of older people and those with a disability. We would be unable to help with the general running of the project or its start up, but would consider named items or pieces of equipment for its members to use.

We run a drop in centre for disabled people and would like to employ a coordinator to run the scheme - can the foundation help?

Unfortunately all salary costs for any scheme fall outside of our criteria.

We are hoping to set up an elderly person centred befriending helpline. Would the Trustees consider contributing towards its upkeep?

We do not provide funding for indirect services, such as help lines, start-up costs and the general running of any group or project.

You awarded us a grant last year - thank you - but we would like to apply to the foundation again, is this possible?

Due to the increasing volume of applications we receive and with such limited funds we are unable to provide continual support to a project following an initial grant. We stipulate a minimum three year period before applications in respect of the same project will be considered.