The Mayor's Charities for the year 2010-2011  are:

 SSAFA Forces Help and The Gabriel Newton's Educational Foundation

The Gabriel Newton's Educational Foundation

(Registered Charity Number 311822)

The Gabriel Newton’s Educational Foundation was founded in 1785 by Alderman Gabriel Newton, to help boys and girls residing in the beneficial area of Huntingdon and Hartford who, in the opinion of the Trustees, are in need of financial assistance to promote their education, or further education, including educational travel, or to assist their entry into a profession, trade or calling.

A group of Trustees meets to consider applications from young people who have educational needs.  Originally this was mostly to assist with the purchase of school uniforms, but as years have gone by requests and needs have changed and now grants are awarded for such diverse issues as books, musical instruments, ballet shoes and other specialised clothing, computers and educational travel.

All requests have to be accompanied by an application form and a letter of support from someone other than a relative (usually a teacher).  They are discussed by the Trustees, usually twice a year, and awards are made at the discretion of the Trustees in accordance with the terms of the Foundation.

Application forms can be obtained from The Clerk to the Foundation, 31 Veasey Road, Hartford, Huntingdon, Cambs.  PE29 1SX.

SSAFA Forces Help

The soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association forces Help (SSAFA) is the national charity helping and supporting those who serve in our Armed Forces, those who used to serve and the families of both.  One day’s paid service in any of our Armed Forces is all that is need to qualify for assistance from SSAFA Forces Help.  This includes those who serve in our reserve forces and anyone who did National Service as well as close relatives, widows and widowers.

Although no two people have exactly the same experience whilst serving their country, they are all entitled to the support of SSAFA Forces Help if they face difficulty in civilian life. 

Each year SSAFA forces Help provides a reliable, caring and trusted service to more than 50,000 people.  A network of in-Service volunteers work on bases and garrisons in the UK and around the world providing invaluable support and care to our serving community, along with Health and Social Work professionals.

Further information about SSAFA can be found on their website: www.ssafa.org.uk

Further information on these two charities will follow soon.