Vital help available for clergy and their families
Clergy are called to serve others; Clergy Support Trust exists to serve them. The charity helps Anglican clergy and their families in the UK, Ireland and Diocese in Europe.
In 2020 over 1,300 households were helped. The majority of grants are non-means tested, including for emergencies and wellbeing.
Recent beneficiary, the Revd Dr Eliza Getman, said: “When Clergy Support Trust said they could give me a grant for a holiday, it felt life was possible again. To have the time away from the pressures in life, just meant the world.”
The charity helps with mental and physical health, such as diagnostic tests and therapies, mobility aids and counselling. It can also fund holidays, retreats and respite breaks, fitness and leisure or sabbaticals. Emergency grants are available for unexpected household costs, like a large utility bill or a period of financial difficulty. It can also help clergy tackle problem debt.
Another beneficiary, the Revd Shirley Murphy, said: “I’m the only earning family member and my role requires me to travel a lot in my car, and we had a huge problem when the air conditioning pump blew up.
“The Trust were very kind and gave us enough to get my car sorted.”
Clergy Support Trust is the largest charity focused on the wellbeing of Anglican clergy and their families. In 2020 it made nearly 2,500 grants and helped thousands of people through support services.
The Revd Ben Cahill-Nicholls, Chief Executive of Clergy Support Trust: “At this challenging time for so many clergy and their families, we are helping more people than ever: ordinands at the start of training, women and men in various ministerial contexts, and those in retirement.
“It is a great privilege to be there for those who do so much in their communities. I encourage clergy and their families to get in touch. My team and I are honoured to be there for those whose days are filled supporting the needs of others.”
Clergy households can find out more via clergysupport.org.uk, calling 0800 389 5192 or by emailing tenagf@pyretlfhccbeg.bet.hx.
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