Friends of the Elderly support older people living in England and Wales to live fulfilled lives.
The charity has a rich history of supporting people for over 100 years.
The grants service helps older people on a low income to meet the costs of their daily living and stay connected with their communities.
Who can apply to Friends of the Elderly?
You can apply for a grant from Friends of the Elderly if you meet the following criteria:
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You are of State Pension age
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You live in England or Wales.
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You are managing on a low income with savings of less than £4,000.
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You are not living in a residential care home.
“You have given me a new life; I know I am old and ill but now I am able to do things I would not have been able to. I am so grateful and can keep my independence. God bless.”
John, who was helped by Friends of the Elderly with a mobility scooter
What Friends of the Elderly helps with
We provide small one off grants, averaging £300, for:
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Home essentials: to cover the cost of replacing everyday items, small home repairs and mobility adaptations
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Digital connection: can be used towards the cost of equipment, such as tablets and smartphones, as well as connecting to the internet
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Financial support: to help with unexpected bills and large costs, such as utility bills, funeral costs or moving fees
How does the Friends of the Elderly grants service work?
Applications need to be made through a referring agent. This can be someone working in local health or social care teams, Citizens Advice or other charities and community groups.
The role of the referring organisation is to assist the application process, verifying the applicant’s circumstances and supporting the applicant with purchasing the item or service they need.
Friends of the Elderly take about six weeks to process grant applications and the charity replies to all applicants, whether or not it can help them.
How Friends of the Elderly helped Vera and Greg
After moving into a bungalow in December 2017, Vera and Greg* were left with a huge amount of work to do to repair their home. They were just able to afford to carpet their living room but had been left without flooring in their bedroom and hallway for nearly two years. During the winter months, the house was particularly cold and keeping warm became increasingly stressful. After finding out about Friends of the Elderly's grants service, the charity was able to help them to finally carpet their hallway and bedroom.
“The house needed so much work doing when we moved in", Vera said. "We were left walking around on bare floorboards for two years. The house was so cold in the winter months and caused a lot of stress. Without you, we’d still not have any carpet down. The house is now warm and we’re more settled.”
Contact Friends of the Elderly
You can contact Friends of the Elderly at:
Post: 40–42 Ebury Street, London, SW1W 0LZ
Telephone: 02077308263
Email: hello@fote.org.uk
Visit Friends of the Elderly's website
Read Friends of the Elderly's profile on the Turn2us Grants Search
Notes and acknowledgements
*Names have been changed
Photo supplied by Friends of the Elderly