IT’S not known for sure who the first person was to be helped by the Wokingham United Charities.
It could have been a homeless widow driven out of her cottage by an unscrupulous landlord, or perhaps a local farmer needing repairs to his plough.
But one thing is known – for nearly 600 years, Wokingham United Charities has been at the forefront of coming to the aid of people, initially in Wokingham and, for the past five years, across the whole Borough.
Today, the charity which can trace its roots back to 1451, still provides almshouses at a block of flats on Peach Street for older, vulnerable people who are unable to buy or afford rental properties in Wokingham.
While plough repairs may no longer be a major need, other requests for grants include many essential household items like white goods and beds as well as the family of a child requiring a dyslexia assessment, counselling, transport costs and funds for a mobility scooter.
Wokingham United Charities is proud to say that it continues to help local people when they may have no one else to turn to, whether it’s almshouse accommodation or from its substantial Relief in Need fund for local charities and individuals.
Amy Garstang, the charity manager who oversees the day-to-day running of the grants programme and the Westende almshouses, explained how the charity began in 1451, when John Westende gifted eight cottages in Le Peche-street, now Peach Street.
“He wanted to help the poor and needy people in Wokingham and from that humble beginning, the charity has grown.
“As our name suggests, Wokingham United Charities is an amalgamation of a number of Wokingham charities. The Queen Victoria House almshouses were built in 1887 and demolished in 1974 then replaced with Westende and Queen Victoria House flats which were further renovated in 1987.
“Westende consists of two blocks of self-contained flats, 27 in all, in pleasant well maintained gardens. They are close to the shops and only a short walk from other facilities. A Monthly Maintenance Charge is payable to cover the cost of the accommodation and includes all heating and hot water charges. The MMC rate is below the Local Housing allowance level for the Borough.”
As well as the Peach Street complex, Wokingham United Charities understands that sometimes everyone needs a helping hand. That’s why its essential item grant programme is aimed at individuals or families who have found themselves in circumstances of financial hardship and are in need of an essential item.
“If you find yourself with a broken cooker and don’t have the funds available to buy a replacement, or you have moved into new accommodation and need a fridge freezer and money is tight, you may be eligible for an essential item grant,” explained Amy.
“The grants aren’t limited to white goods, but also other items or needs. We may also be able to help with transport costs, debt-related fees, school trips, counselling and other essential items or services. We review each application on its own merits.
“We have partnered with Citizens Advice Wokingham to provide holistic support for people who need it most. That way people can be directed to the relevant support agency and if eligible, can apply on their behalf for an essential item grant.”
Anyone inquiring about support should call 0808 278 7958 in the first instance or complete the referral form on the website. The service is available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Citizens Advice Wokingham can help with issues around welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment law and much more.
Wokingham United Charities is run by a small, dedicated and professional team, but it always welcomes volunteers and those who just want to show their support.
“We are so happy people are interested in getting involved with our work here at Wokingham United Charities,” said Amy.
“There are so many ways for you to help, and we truly appreciate each and every effort. By lending your support, you’ll become a valuable part of our Non-Profit and help to strengthen our operations.
“We are currently recruiting committee members and I would urge anyone who can help to check out the website. Volunteers are always needed and is one of the simplest ways to help. We want the local community to actively get involved. Could you become a trustee, volunteer – keep our social media up to date, use your financial or administration skills to help our work? Please get in touch if you have some time to spare no matter how small because Wokingham United Charities is for the people of Wokingham who are helped by the people of Wokingham.”
Perhaps in another 600 years time, an astronaut may require a grant to repair his rocket rather than a plough and perhaps homelessness will still be a part of everyday life. However, one thing you can be sure of is that whatever the need, Wokingham United Charities will still be around to do what it does best – helping the people of Wokingham.
For more details, log on to: https://wokinghamunitedcharities.org.uk/
