Supporting the Villages of Barkway, Nuthampstead, Newsells and the Penns

The Trust supports local families and individuals in times of financial need with small grants and loans. With the cost of living ever increasing for us all, we understand how hard it can be to make ends meet, just one extra payment, a change in job circumstances e.g. the loss of hours at work or unemployment or an unexpected illness can send a household budget rocketing or finding we don’t have enough to cover our needs.  We want you to be aware that there are local funds available when for no fault of our own we find ourselves in difficulty. 

An application can be made to the trust for anyone who needs support, living in the area. The support needs differ widely with each application and we encourage residents to apply no matter what the context.  Your application will be dealt with discreetly and remain strictly confidential following GDPR legislation. 

Our support is financial. All applications are reviewed by the trustees and you will be offered either a grant (full or partial), and/or a non interest loan which will be paid back over a period in a payment plan, agreed with you when accepting the offer. 

We also have good links with local and national charities who will be able to help you further, so by contacting us we will also be able to help you with resolving your worries long term. 

All information supplied will help the trustees consider each application as quickly as possible and will be handled in the strictest confidence. If you are in need of support, please do not hesitate in making an application,  we are here to help you. 

Examples of help that the Barkway Trust has provided in recent years

• Payment of preschool fees – enabling parents to carry out part time work and children to have early years education from a younger age than the parents could have funded alone. 
• Funding of school meals for families with low income 
• MOT and servicing of vehicles to enable travel for work or to have independence in retirement years 
• One off payment to support teenagers trips locally and abroad both within schools and out of school groups e.g. scouts, enabling travel and experiences for them that they would not have had as the family could not have afforded them without support 
• Interest free loan to pay off expensive credit card debt enabling families to regain a good credit rating after a period of unemployment 
• Funding of osteopath for swifter rehabilitation following an unexpected injury and reducing time off paid work. 
• House repairs e.g. windows, doors, roofs with  either a grant or interest free loan ensuring that privately owned property is repaired swiftly to avoid further damage and escalating costs. 
• Grants to help with end of life care or funerals of loved ones
• Grants and loans for specialist equipment e.g. beds, stairlifts and chairs to allow better and longer independent living for disabled residents
• Equipment/travel grants for University students e.g. laptops for those who have a low family income, enabling more of our residents to gain a degree. 
• Counselling Services; grants for paid counselling services for those with mental health challenges
• Transport costs