Guild members have been reminded of the vital service the BGAJ Charitable Trust offers in supporting members facing financial hardship.
Speaking at this year’s Guild AGM (27 March), Guild chaplain Geoff Dodgson said the Trust offers swift and confidential support to Guild members, retired members, and their families.
“Anybody who needs to have a conversation, I’m here anytime,” he said. “I may not have a magic wand, but I do have the ears to listen, and I won’t speak to anyone about what I hear.”
The Guild reaffirm its annual commitment of a 5% levy on subscriptions as a donation to the Charitable Trust, amounting to around £1,600 this year.
“This is something we have always been committed to because of the important work the Trust does in supporting our members,” Geoff added.
Thanks to improved investments and continued donations, the Trust now holds reserves of just under £300,000. However, Geoff said that while this may sound substantial, recent grants have been significant.
“The cost of care and medical treatment is rising all the time, so we are very conscious of strengthening the fund to ensure we can continue offering meaningful support,” he said.
Although trustees meet only two or three times a year, they act swiftly to respond to calls for help, always dealing with cases in strict confidence.
“Over the past year, we’ve provided everything from subscriptions to a farm machinery magazine to covering travel costs for a member needing specialist medical care far from home,” Geoff explained.
He reminded members that the Trust exists not only to help current members but also retired members and their families.
“Never feel embarrassed to ask for help – whether financial or just signposting to other organizations that can assist with particular issues. The Trust is an integral part of the Guild, so please make use of it.”
To find out more about the Charitable Trust and to get confidential support, visit the charitable trust page.
