Newark-based Mary Elizabeth Siebel Trust offers grants to help older folk stay in their own homes

A charity that helps elderly people to stay independently in their homes for as long as possible is urging them to apply for grants.

While many charities are cutting back on their work because of a drop in income caused by coronavirus, the Newark-based Mary Elizabeth Siebel Trust is well financed and a wants to help as many people as it can.

Despite the pandemic, the trustees are still accepting applications for grants, which can be used for a range of items, including mobility aids and minor property alterations.

The Mary Elizabeth Siebel Trust was set up 30 years ago, but is little known, and applications for help have been falling.

Miss Florence Elizabeth Siebel was born in Cheshire in 1899. She was a teacher at the former Lilley and Stone Girls’ High School, in Newark, for about 40 years.

She inherited a large estate from her parents, meaning she was able to live out her days in her own home and wanted to help others do the same

When she died, in 1990, aged 91, she made provision to establish the Mary Elizabeth Siebel Trust, in memory of her mother.

Clerk to the trustees, Sarah Allen of Tall- ents, said: “Many people probably won’t have heard of her, but Florence Siebel has been helping the elderly of Newark since 1990.”

The aim of the trust is to help people over the age of 60 with grants to help them stay in their own homes and be as mobile as they can for as long as possible, but who find it hard because of health and financial reasons.

Applicants must meet requirements, like living within 12 miles of Newark Town Hall.

The trust can help with items including mobility aids, reclining chairs, bathing aids, special beds, stair lifts, and minor property repairs, decoration and modification.

Other requests will be considered, including help towards larger projects.

The trust has a policy of using local businesses for equipment and work it pays for.

Anyone who would like to apply for a grant needs to complete an application form, available from Tallents Solicitors on Middlegate, Newark. The application must be supported by a doctor or healthcare professional, and the financial situation will be considered.

Completed grant application forms should be returned to Tallents at 3 Middlegate, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 1AQ.

Recent thanks to the trust came from a family who said: “With our gratitude for allowing mum a scooter. It’s given her a whole new lease of life.”