The Licensed Trade Charity is here to Care For People Like You
Over 1 million people work in the drinks industry and many more are retired from it. While the job is often invigorating and fun, there are downsides too. Long hours in a sometimes challenging environment, compounded by health problems, trauma or family breakdown can take their toll on even the most robust of us. We're here to help people in the trade, and retired from it, in times of need.
Every year the charity spends around £1 million helping people to get back on their feet again. We help all ages, from the children of working or retired people, to young adults and those who have long retired from the trade. In all our years of operation, we have listened to a vast range of problems and have done our utmost to help people get on with their lives.
Discount and Bursaries available for our two Schools
The Licensed Trade Charity runs three, non-selective independent schools for girls and boys, from primary through to Sixth Form. As well as offering discounts to parents working in the licensed trade, the charity also helps many parents with bursaries through challenging times.
LVS Ascot, also known as the Licensed Victuallers' School, is a co-educational day and boarding school with 900 pupils, situated in heart of Berkshire. The School has a history dating back over two centuries and offers pupils aged 4-18 an excellent, all round education in a modern, purpose built environment. The charity's Licensed Victuallers' School in Ascot also offers boarding, providing another caring environment for children when parents have to work long hours or move locations.
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LVS Reading: (The Elvian School); is a co-educational day school for 3-18 year olds. With 200 pupils, LVS Reading meets the individual needs of each child in small classes and within a warm and friendly environment.
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LVS Hassocks: a Learning, Business and Enterprise centre situated in West Sussex. The School opened in April 2009 and offers a supported learning environment to day and weekly boarding pupils with Communication, Socialisation and Imagination difficulties.
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Children of parents working in the licensed drinks trade (from bar staff to brewers) are entitled to a preferential discount at any of the Charity's three schools. Bursaries are also available but are subject to meeting financial and employment criteria.
Licensed Trade Support&Care Lend a Helping Hand
Early in 2008, Mr and Mrs Cullen received the dreadful news that their daughter had died in a tragic accident. Their grief was compounded by the fact that she had left four beautiful children behind, whose lives were also shattered by the loss of their mother. Their worlds were instantly turned upside down. This couple aged 58 and 56, gained custody of the children, but found the additional living costs had put a strain on their already limited income.
They were put in touch with Licensed Trade Support&Care. The Licensed Trade Support&Care awarded a grant to help the family while they were waiting for state benefits to come through, and agreed regular financial assistance.
"It was such a dreadful time", says Mrs Angela Cullen. "We can't tell you what a relief it was to have the Licensed Trade Support&Care helping us to get through it".
Licensed Trade Support&Care Are The Light At The End Of The Tunnel
Mr Francis Stevens aged 65 worked in the licensed trade for over 42 years. Francis was finding it increasingly difficult to work due to his health. He was suffering from heart disease and prostate cancer which restricted his breathing and mobility. He was unable to continue his job as a tenant as he was too ill. Francis was later evicted from the pub, and managed to secure local authority accommodation quite quickly, but he could not afford the packing and removal costs. Francis also needed white goods, carpets, money and food as he was waiting for his benefits to come through. His car had failed the MOT and he urgently needed his car to attend hospital appointments three time a week. This case needed our urgent attention. The Licensed Trade Support&Care awarded funds to cover removal costs to enable Francis to move to a new home, we also funded a new cooker and paid for his car to be repaired.
"I cannot thank you enough for all of your help", says Francis. "Without it I don't know quite where I would be today. I was in great need and didn't know where to turn and thought no one could help me, but you gave me hope when I felt like giving up".
Licensed Trade Support&Care Gives Couple A Lift
Mr & Mrs Portman were licensees for 22 years. Mr Portman has many serious health problems, including heart and lung disease, emphysema, kidney failure, asthma, osteoporosis and arthritis. Mrs Portman also suffers from ill health. They weren't able to get out much, as Mr Portmans mobility, both in and outdoors, was severely restricted due to his health. Mr Portman was having a great deal of trouble getting and in out of his chair so the charity awarded funding towards a riser/recliner chair.
"The riser recliner chair has made such a difference to our lives, as I often struggled to help my husband out of his old chair", says Mrs Portman. "The strain would hurt my shoulder as he would fall back into the chair as he is heavier than me, and it would often take a few attempts to get him to standing position. The chair is a welcome relief to us both. Thank you once again for your kind genorosity."
Help With Leaflets
The charity has written 5 leaflets to help with frequently asked questions from those working within the trade. The leaflets contain suggestions on how to help yourself if you should find yourself in any of these situations and recommends specialist organisations and charities that may provide further assistance. The 5 leaflets offer
- help with Housing problems
- help with Debt
- help with Relationship Breakdown
- help with Alcohol Related problems
- help with Planning for Retirement
- help with paying for care homes
You can read these on line or print them off, just click on click here