The Clergy Support Trust provides support to Anglican clergy (serving and retired), ordinands, and their families. There are a range of grants available and a simple eligibility checker that can be completed on the website (www.clergysupport.org.uk).
Adam Hadley, vicar in Kingswinford has been successful in applying for a number of different grants. He first came across the charity as an ordinand, applying for a £500 book grant during each year he was in training and has also received support during the pandemic as well as more recently.
He said: “The Clergy Support Trust have been so supportive and I’m keen for more people to know that they’re there to help. You can apply for two grants each year and potentially more if you need it. Although you’ll need some figures handy when you apply, eg your latest wage slip and details of how you’ll use the funding, the general grants are not really means tested – they’re available for everyone.”
During the pandemic, Adam was given some funding to purchase a monitor and microphones and when he moved into his new vicarage, he had a grant for a new washing machine. The Trust kept in touch and were happy to chat through the different grants available.
“They have always been incredibly friendly and want to understand how they can support clergy and their families,” continued Adam. “Each time the process has been very smooth and I’ve had the funding within a couple of weeks – I’m sure it would be quicker if it was urgent.”
Alongside the financial and emergency grants, the Clergy Support Trust also offer health and well-being grants, including contributions to the cost of holidays and retreats. Visit their website to see the full range of funding offered and what you might be eligible for. www.clergysupport.org.uk
