Grants

Grants

Our LIFE-GRANT programme aims to relieve the urgent material needs of children, young people and families through the provision of financial assistance to those in dire need. In this way we reduce the incidence of homelessness and improve the well-being of children and families.
All grant applications are considered on their individual merit.

Here is Laura’s story (names and some details have been altered to protect anonymity):

She was left on her own with two small boys, one of whom suffers from behavioural difficulties which put stress on home life. She attempted to improve their lot by enrolling on a nursing course and despite all the pressures was producing all her coursework. Finances were already stretched to their limit and she was working hard to keep everything on an even keel. To make things worse they then lost most of their possessions when they were burgled. Her boys ended up having to share a mattress on a concrete floor. She didn’t know where to turn to and that’s when she applied to the Society for help. We were able to give her a grant to buy beds and a carpet for her boys’ room. All she wants is to give her boys a happy home and the Society was able to help her.

But we consider the spiritual development of children to be as important as their physical and emotional development. For example the Society might help a traveling family with staying in one parish long enough for a child to complete a parish programme and take their First Holy Communion.

The Society can make funds available to enable children and young people to take part in events such as the pilgrimages organized by HCPT.

The youngsters gain so much from the experience of a holiday in a wonderful place, independent of their parents and with the support of helpers who have become their friends. Here are a couple of excerpts from some young pilgrim’s diaries:

got to the stations of the cross. We took pictures and we took turns at saying prayers. After lunch we went shopping for presents. Then we walked up the hill for mass in the city of the poor. After dinner we carried candles in the torchlight procession. It was very beautiful

Packing to go home a sad day but will be happy to see mum, I will like to go back to Lourdes again I really enjoyed it.

All grants are considered on their individual merit. If you wish to apply for a grant please download and complete the Grant Application form. To support your application please download a Grant Application Referee form that needs to be completed by someone who knows your situation. If you have any queries about the forms please contact us.