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British Benevolent Fund Coronavirus appeal seeks donations
30/04/2020
AFTER nearly a century of helping out UK nationals falling on hard times in Spain, the British Benevolent Fund has launched a collection for its work in supporting those who have found themselves with little or no income due to the lockdown.
Working closely with partner charities across the country, the British Benevolent Fund (BBF) also has direct links with the UK Consulate and the latter's logistical support is often vital for getting help to where it is most needed.
“More than ever, the BBF volunteers need donations to help those who are really struggling during this very challenging and uncertain time,” says British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris.
“I hope you can help in any way you can.”
The BBF 'has remained fully operational' throughout the pandemic and 'reacts speedily and with compassion to all applications for help', explains its chairman, John Scott, OBE.
According to Ms Morris: “The British embassy and the BBF have been working together to support British nationals in Spain for over a hundred years, but never as intensively as at this moment in time.
“The BBF is pulling out all the stops to support British nationals in Spain who are struggling as a result of the Coronavirus lockdown.”
These Brits include those stranded in Spain and trying to get back to the UK.
For these, the BBF has been offering travel and subsistence grants.
“Costs are higher for flights, and public transport is limited or totally absent,” says Case Support Committee leader Julie Wood.
Also, case numbers are soaring 'due to an increase in people who are financial desperate'.
“For those stranded in Spain, or who live here but have lost their livelihood at the moment, [the BBF has] been providing temporary grants to help with bills, accommodation and other basic necessities,” Sarah-Jane Morris explains.
Now, the newly-launched Coronavirus appeal 'will help the BBF to deliver much-needed financial assistance to people, many of whom have found themselves, through no fault of their own, without income and with no place to turn', says John Scott.
Funding through donations will be used for repatriation costs, utility bills, rent, food, and medical expenses for those not covered by the State public health, such as those colloquially termed 'swallows', or part-time residents who normally live the bulk of the year in the UK and whose healthcare is limited to what their EHIC cards offer, and also those of no fixed abode – such as people living in caravans or park homes – who cannot register with a GP as they are unable to sign on a padrón, or municipal census.
Although some government emergency funding is available for those whose business activity has temporarily ceased, heavy restrictions in place mean many do not qualify, especially if their work has been reduced to the bare minimum but has not stopped altogether.
Additionally, the statutory non-contributory dole pay, and the typical dole allowance for the self-employed who have ceased their trade is, in most cases, too little to live on, although employees who have been contributing through their taxes and Social Security will normally receive 80% of their gross pay for the first six months out of work and 60% thereafter, up to a maximum of two years.
In the case of those who have been temporarily laid off by their firms in what is known as an ERTE, they are entitled to dole money even if they have not made sufficient contributions either throughout their working lives or since they last needed to sign on, and any funds claimed will not affect their existing entitlement.
To donate to the BBF, you can email them at info@britishbenevolentfund.org or check out their website, Britishbenevolentfund.org/support-us/.
Related Topics
AFTER nearly a century of helping out UK nationals falling on hard times in Spain, the British Benevolent Fund has launched a collection for its work in supporting those who have found themselves with little or no income due to the lockdown.
Working closely with partner charities across the country, the British Benevolent Fund (BBF) also has direct links with the UK Consulate and the latter's logistical support is often vital for getting help to where it is most needed.
“More than ever, the BBF volunteers need donations to help those who are really struggling during this very challenging and uncertain time,” says British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris.
“I hope you can help in any way you can.”
The BBF 'has remained fully operational' throughout the pandemic and 'reacts speedily and with compassion to all applications for help', explains its chairman, John Scott, OBE.
According to Ms Morris: “The British embassy and the BBF have been working together to support British nationals in Spain for over a hundred years, but never as intensively as at this moment in time.
“The BBF is pulling out all the stops to support British nationals in Spain who are struggling as a result of the Coronavirus lockdown.”
These Brits include those stranded in Spain and trying to get back to the UK.
For these, the BBF has been offering travel and subsistence grants.
“Costs are higher for flights, and public transport is limited or totally absent,” says Case Support Committee leader Julie Wood.
Also, case numbers are soaring 'due to an increase in people who are financial desperate'.
“For those stranded in Spain, or who live here but have lost their livelihood at the moment, [the BBF has] been providing temporary grants to help with bills, accommodation and other basic necessities,” Sarah-Jane Morris explains.
Now, the newly-launched Coronavirus appeal 'will help the BBF to deliver much-needed financial assistance to people, many of whom have found themselves, through no fault of their own, without income and with no place to turn', says John Scott.
Funding through donations will be used for repatriation costs, utility bills, rent, food, and medical expenses for those not covered by the State public health, such as those colloquially termed 'swallows', or part-time residents who normally live the bulk of the year in the UK and whose healthcare is limited to what their EHIC cards offer, and also those of no fixed abode – such as people living in caravans or park homes – who cannot register with a GP as they are unable to sign on a padrón, or municipal census.
Although some government emergency funding is available for those whose business activity has temporarily ceased, heavy restrictions in place mean many do not qualify, especially if their work has been reduced to the bare minimum but has not stopped altogether.
Additionally, the statutory non-contributory dole pay, and the typical dole allowance for the self-employed who have ceased their trade is, in most cases, too little to live on, although employees who have been contributing through their taxes and Social Security will normally receive 80% of their gross pay for the first six months out of work and 60% thereafter, up to a maximum of two years.
In the case of those who have been temporarily laid off by their firms in what is known as an ERTE, they are entitled to dole money even if they have not made sufficient contributions either throughout their working lives or since they last needed to sign on, and any funds claimed will not affect their existing entitlement.
To donate to the BBF, you can email them at info@britishbenevolentfund.org or check out their website, Britishbenevolentfund.org/support-us/.
Related Topics
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