Girton Town Charity: What we do

Almshouses
A major part of Girton Town Charity's work over the years has been to provide almshouses and we currently have six one-bedroom bungalows serving this purpose. These bungalows are not warden-controlled so residents have to be able to live independently. As vacancies do not occur on a

regular basis we do not maintain a waiting list. When a house becomes available the vacancy is advertised on the notice boards in the Village and in the Girton Parish News.

Grants to Individuals in Need
Girton Town Charity makes grants to residents of Girton on the basis of need. Recent grants have been made, for example, to help with assistance for respite care, for career development and training, extraordinary expenses arising from bereavement, healthcare and related costs (but not private medical treatment), for special educational equipment and for children's participation in activities such as residential school trips.

Application forms and guidelines for making the application can be obtained from any Trustee. For larger grants the Trustees might need to meet applicants to discuss their needs.

Grant Schemes
In addition to making grants to individuals or organisations based or working in the Village (see our Case Studies page), Girton Town Charity currently runs two schemes which are open to all villagers who meet the qualifications set out by the Trustees; the Addenbrooke's Hospital Taxi Scheme and the Educational Grant Scheme.

Educational Grant Scheme
This Scheme helps with buying books and equipment and is open to all Girton residents who have recently left secondary education for further education or training, including some apprenticeships and similar qualifications. An applicant must have lived in Girton for a minimum period of two years immediately before leaving secondary education. The further course being taken should normally lead to a formal examination either at degree level or NVQ Level 4 (although suitable apprenticeships might lead to Level 3) and will include studying for an M.A. or further qualification immediately following a first degree.

Whilst it is intended that this Scheme should continue indefinitely the Trustees retain the right to cancel the Scheme at any time. Notice of cancellation will be given on the notice boards in the Village, this website and in the Girton Parish News.

Other students, for example mature students, who do not fit the criteria for this Scheme and are finding it difficult to fund their studies should make an application for assistance with their educational expenses through the Charity's procedures for grants for need.

Application forms with the full terms and conditions of the scheme are available from any Trustee. Details of how and when to make claims are published in the Girton Parish News.

Addenbrooke's Hospital Taxi Scheme
The second scheme is intended to help those who find it difficult to attend as a patient at Addenbrooke's Hospital or Brookfields Hospital in Cambridge using their own or public transport. There is an annual membership fee and patients pay a reduced rate to the taxi driver with the balance being paid by Girton Town Charity providing the authorised taxi companies are used. If you wish to know more, please contact any Trustee who will supply an application form or enquire at the Pepys Way Surgery.

Like the Educational Grant Scheme, it is intended that this scheme should continue indefinitely but the Trustees retain the right to cancel the scheme at any time. Notice of cancellation will be given on the notice boards in the Village, this website and in the Girton Parish News.

Patients at other hospitals and clinics who have difficulties in using public or personal transport may apply for a personal grant. Also, Girton residents who have difficulty in making regular visits to see patients in the hospital should consult a Trustee in confidence to see if an application could be made for assistance on the grounds of personal need.

Where to find announcements and contact details - Girton Parish News
The Girton Parish News, which is distributed free every month to all the houses in the Village by volunteers, has no direct connection with Girton Town Charity but is produced with the support of the Girton Parish Council and St Andrew's Parochial Church Council. It is the main means by which we make announcements to Girton residents about the activities of the Charity.

How can we help you?
If you live in Girton, and have a need for help that might be met through a grant, then please get in touch. We have no staff and so we cannot help you with the names of possible helpers or suppliers, but once you have an idea of what you need then get in touch with one of us to discuss it on a confidential basis.

A full list of Trustees and contact details is published in each edition of the Girton Parish News.