Since its inception over 30 years ago, a key aim of The Gamekeepers' Welfare Trust (GWT), which the Countryside Alliance is proud to support, has been to support people who depend on gamekeeping roles, or have done in the past, and are experiencing ill health, disability, financial hardship or a consequence of old age.

In March, over half of households in Great Britain reported their cost of living had increased. Over 80% of people in a YouGov poll this year felt shop prices were rising faster than their income. Mindful of rising costs and the impacts they have on us all, GWT have increased the amounts they award in all their grants. 

A gamekeeping household may experience a variety of needs. For example, help to pay residential home fees, to buy mobility aids or pay for home adaptations, new essential household appliances like a cooker, and energy bills to help keep the household warm.

The GWT make applying for a grant as easy as they can. The process is entirely confidential and treated with sensitivity. All applications are assessed on an individual basis.  

GWT Grants include:

•  Annual Grant - for people who are struggling financially and are in receipt of benefits
•  Family Grants - for families who have lost major income through loss of life or serious illness
•  Emergency Grant – a one-off amount available almost immediately in extreme need (for example food, housing deposit)
•  Support Grant – a one-off amount to help with everyday needs like transport to hospital when someone in the family has been diagnosed with a long term condition (e.g. cancer, stroke, heart relate
•  Accident Grant - for someone whose main income is temporarily affected by an accident and may be depending on sickness benefit or similar
•  Individual Grant - for any other requirement

This is not an exhaustive list – please contact the GWT to talk about what help you need. It’s free and confidential to call GWT on Jamie’s Helpline 0300 1233 088.