For many, a hardship grant from HWF can be a lifeline

The personal and working lives of healthcare workers are interwoven in a way which few other sectors experience. COVID continues to impact the healthcare sector in terms of an increased need for services and an ongoing lack of staffing. People are working long shifts, often in poor working conditions, and stress, depression and anxiety are at an all time high.

A family emergency or an unforeseen expense, amid a cost-of-living crisis can be the final straw for some. For many healthcare workers who are already low paid, having to pay high prices for staple foods, heating and fuel can push them into crisis. Who can care for others when they are worried about their next family meal, or paying the gas or electricity bill?

For many, a hardship grant from HWF can be a lifeline. We’ve helped many families through our General Fund, which provides up to £1,000 for a specific purposes, and our Rainy Day Fund which provides up to £250 to people who are struggling with their day-to-day costs. Some of their stories are below. If you think that you might have need of our grants, you can apply online. We review applications monthly, and you must be a UK worker currently in employment. It can take up to eight weeks to process a payment.

“I applied for the rainy-day fund after a significant unexpected situation which affected my daughter’s physical health. This grant allows me to sort the issues and decrease the stress I have been under recently. Thank you so much; this means a lot to me and my little family being a single mum.”

“Thank you so much for your help. I am a single mum of two teenagers. The current situation with our economy has many people struggling to pay for many important necessities. I’m so glad I found out about the Rainy Day grants offered by HWF. This will help me to pay for food, gas and electric. With the prices of everything increasing so much I’ve really struggled to make ends meet. It has caused a lot of stress and anxiety for us at home. So thankful for all your help.”

“Thank you so much for your help. This is going to help so much and provide me and my children with the financial assistance that we so desperately needed. We have been relying on foodbanks and help from family and friends which has been difficult. It means that I can also now provide my new-born (9 days old) with the items she needs too as she was premature. You have no idea how much we appreciate the help and support you are providing to us.”

If you’ve been inspired to find out more about supporting our work, so we can continue to be there for healthcare workers who rely on us, do take a look at our page on how you can make a difference, or click on donate at the top of this page. Thank you.