The Nationwide Foundation Approves Grant Of £300,000 For Thanet Charity

3,500 rurally isolated older people will benefit from finance and housing support

The Nationwide Foundation has approved a large grant of almost £300,000 to Thanet Citizen’s Advice Bureau to improve financial literacy and address housing needs of older people living in East Kent. Thanet Citizens’ Advice Bureau will work in partnership with Shelter Kent branch and Canterbury and Shepway Citizens’ Advice Bureaux. Together the four charities will support older people in accessing their full entitlement of welfare benefits, dealing with debt and tackling their housing issues. This large tranche of funding will support the charity for three years.

East Kent has a population that is ageing at a higher rate than the UK average. According to figures from Kent County Council, 32% of East Kent’s over 50 population (46,000) live in rural areas. Problems experienced by older people in rural Thanet include: homes in disrepair; accessing public transport; and the wider impact of rising unemployment and debt.

The support service which Thanet Citizens Advice Bureau will introduce as result of the funding from the Nationwide Foundation, is expected to benefit 3,500 people. It will provide older rurally isolated people with face to face, telephone and email finance and housing advice. In addition, over the three year period, there will be outreach sessions throughout East Kent at venues such as village halls and libraries. As well as providing volunteering opportunities, the funding will enable two advisors to be recruited who will have housing, debt and welfare expertise.

Lisa Parker, chief executive of The Nationwide Foundation, says: “We are delighted to be able to award this grant to Thanet Citizens’ Advice Bureau and its partners. The problems facing older people who live in rural areas can easily be overlooked. Retiring in a rural area can easily be perceived as idyllic, yet some older people are at risk from poor housing and access to financial support. As they become less mobile and more isolated, accessing help can be a challenge. This project will bring huge benefit to older people in Kent.”

Ian Driver, manager, Thanet Citizens’ Advice Bureau says: “Rural isolation creates a range of problems for older people, particularly concerning their likelihood to easily access welfare benefit entitlements, appropriate financial products and housing support. We have been supporting older people in Kent for many years and are pleased to have this funding from the Nationwide Foundation to allow us to provide direct and bespoke help to this vulnerable group in our community.”

In addition to the large grants announced today, the Nationwide Foundation’s Small Grants Programme continues to make grants every two months. These grants are available up to £5,000 to registered charities with incomes of under £500,000. Charities wishing to apply for funding from The Nationwide Foundation should email enquiries@nationwidefoundation.org.uk or call 01793 655113.

Notes to editors:
The Nationwide Foundation is a registered charity (no 1065552) and has limited liability being a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (no. 3451979). Registered office address: Nationwide House, Pipers Way, Swindon, SN38 1NW.

The principle benefactor of the Nationwide Foundation is Nationwide Building Society.

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