Friends of the Elderly, a charity supporting older residents living on low incomes, has been awarded £400,000 over four years from the Emanuel Hospital charity, managed by the City of London Corporation.
The funding will help the charity continue providing financial support to older people across the capital who are experiencing hardship.
Alderman Gregory Jones KC, Chair of the City Corporation’s Emanuel Hospital Management Sub-Committee, said: “Although the grants Friends of the Elderly make with our funding may be small, the impact on the lives of older people across London is huge, lasting and transformative.
“Something as simple as having a working washing machine or a carpeted floor, or being able to pay off unexpected bills, reduces stress and worry and enables older people to live happier, healthier lives.”
The grant programme assists with everyday essentials such as household appliances, food, clothing, and energy bills.
Recent examples of support include £400 for a dishwasher for an 88-year-old woman in Newham with arthritis, £1,000 for funeral expenses for a 78-year-old woman in Wandsworth, and £368 for a new bed for a 68-year-old cancer patient in Southwark who had been sleeping on the floor.
Rachel Hill, chief executive of Friends of the Elderly, welcomed the continued funding.
She said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have the continued support of the Emanuel Hospital charity, which has made a huge difference to hundreds of older people across London.
“Thanks to this funding, we know that every London pensioner who meets our criteria and comes to us asking for financial assistance can receive a grant, which is incredible.”
Over the past four years, the Emanuel Hospital charity has provided more than £345,000 to Friends of the Elderly, supporting 773 older people across London.
The Emmanuel Hospital charity was established more than 400 years ago in 1600, following a bequest from Lady Anne Dacre to create an almshouse in Westminster for 20 older people.
Grants are distributed by Friends of the Elderly through referrals from community centres, housing associations, and advice organisations.
The support is designed to relieve financial pressure and improve quality of life for older individuals facing poverty and hardship.
