In recent years , the fund has been able to give an annual total of about £50,000 to hundreds of needy individuals within our remit of artists, nurses and gentlewomen. These have been mostly women, but male nurses and artists have also benefited. Proportionately, we tend to give more to nurses and gentlewomen than to artists.

Some of the beneficiaries are in extreme hardship, owing to changes in life circumstances. Sudden or chronic illness, accidents, withdrawal of family support or the death of a partner are just a few examples of the backgrounds of the people we help.

We like to hear from social work agencies who are also trying to help people. They can give us a clear explanation of their clients' situations. They can also focus on their immediate needs and specify the items that need to be purchased in order to improve their quality of life.

Rehabilitation and setting up a new home is a common situation. Our applicants usually live on a very tight budget and have no savings with which to purchase carpets, a cooker, refrigerator, or washing machine, for example. Sometimes beds, bedding and clothing are needed for children. We have made contributions to short holidays for patients and carers.

When more expensive items are needed, e.g. computers, electric wheelchairs, major home repairs, we are often able to contribute jointly with other charities to make up the sum required.

Artists' needs are usually different. They frequently ask for funding to buy materials and equipment , without which they cannot continue their creative work. Grants to pay for picture framing can enable an artist to display his or her work in an exhibition, thus moving them on in their career.