In the last few weeks The Drinks Trust has been able to raise over £400k just to support those in the drinks industry who have already been personally hit by Covid-19 outbreak. But as the crisis worsens many more people are going to need the charity’s help. Here’s how.
The Drinks Trust is there to support those in the drinks industry who have fallen into financial difficulty at any time in their career. The situation for many in the industry is now so severe, as a result of the impact of Covid-19 on their businesses and livelihoods, that hundreds and potentially thousands of people are going to need that help right now, and in the coming weeks and months. It’s why the drinks industry’s charity, The Drinks Trust, has set up an emergency fund specifically to help those in need as soon as possible with funds available from April 6. Here The Drinks Trust explains how it is going to work.
“Since the beginning of March, demand for our services has increased significantly and many individuals are now in desperate need. The COVID-19 Emergency Fund will be made available from Monday April 6 and successful applicants will be awarded a £250 grant to assist them with essentials and to help them through the weeks ahead.”
The fund has been made possible thanks to the help and contributions of a number of major drinks companies with others pledging their support in the days to come. Pernod Ricard UK has already announced it has donated £250,000 to the fund, whilst Concha y Toro UK has also made a substantial contribution. Other donations have been received from Sipsmith, Whisky Auction, Fox and Fox, the English winery, and Asterley Bros amongst others.
COVID 19 Emergency Financial Support – From April 6
The Drinks Trust will be launching a financial support scheme to drinks industry individuals who have lost their employment and income. This initiative is targeted at the following two groups:
1.Those who have been made redundant and subsequently not been reinstated, meaning they are unable to benefit from the salary grant scheme set out by the Chancellor
2.Those on zero hours contracts who will receive only small levels of financial benefit from the salary support measures outlined by the Chancellor
Additionally, these individuals will have worked in one of the following establishments;
- On-trade; bars, pubs and those who worked with drinks in restaurants and hotels, such as sommeliers and beverage managers
- Off-trade; those who worked in alcohol retailing businesses
- Distribution; those who worked in businesses supplying the above
Qualifying individuals will be able to access a one-off financial grant of £250, payable directly into their bank account. The Drinks Trust will apply its expertise in assessing hardship and will prioritise individuals who have health conditions, and also those caring for dependents.
The Trust adds “We anticipate a high level of demand, therefore, the window for applications under this scheme is limited between Monday April 6 and Friday April 10, 2020.”
For more information go to: https://www.drinkstrust.org.uk/cv19-fund
Ongoing Beneficiaries – The Drinks Trust continues to support over 350 vulnerable beneficiaries, a significant proportion of whom are retired drinks industry staff and amongst the most at-risk groups with regards to COVID-19. Many of them are being assisted as a result of critical illness, severe mental health concerns and extreme hardship.
The Drinks Trust pays in excess of £30,000 a month in ongoing grants which was historically funded by donations from businesses across the industry. Many historical business partners are now struggling themselves and, understandably, cannot contribute the same level as they have in previous years. This makes the need of support from business partners who can help even more crucial than before.
Wellbeing Services – There has been a significant increase in individuals contacting the Trust regarding anxiety and depression concerns as well as sleep and insomnia issues. To tackle this demand, The Drinks Trust helpline is being increased in capacity and access to talking and well-being therapies will be extended
The Drinks Trust is the community organisation for the drinks industry, offering support and services to help its community thrive, to upskill, to broaden their knowledge, to network and learn from one another. It will also be there to support them in challenging times, with wellbeing and financial assistance.
