Giving, supporting and signposting. What can R.A.B.I do? Here are some examples of letters and emails sent to us, asking for help. These letters illustrate the diverse nature of both the enquiries and the personal circumstances of those making them. Names have been omitted to maintain confidentiality.
“Everything was going well until we had to spend an extra £1,000 on bedding for the cattle as it was far too wet to put them out. They should have been out a month ago but now I have an electric bill, heating oil and mortgage to pay for and not enough funds. Is there any chance of some help? We should be back on track in a couple of months.”
As well as offering guidance, a £1,000 cheque was sent.
“Dear R.A.B.I, our organisation has been approached to see if we can assist a vulnerable resident with quotes to replace windows at his property. We hope you might be able to help with funding.”
A one-off grant of £3,800 for replacement windows was agreed.
“Dear R.A.B.I, I don’t know if you can help but here goes. I am in farming and my dad passed away a year ago. Most of the farm is in the process of being sold. My wife, who is self-employed, has just come out of hospital. She’s had an operation and will be off work for at least eight weeks. We would have been a bit more prepared but her op was brought forward. We have three children and I am asking for a little help in order to relieve the stresses of paying bills and help with our debts until the land sales have gone through.”
A visit by the local welfare officer was arranged and a grant for £2,000 quickly issued.
“We are writing on behalf of a former Land Army girl who has been selffunding her care in our home for the past six years. At present, her next of kin, who are pensioners themselves, are not in a position to pay the necessary third party top-up fees to maintain her placement at the residential home. Is this something that the R.A.B.I would be able to offer assistance with?”
Following a visit, R.A.B.I agreed to pay regular, ongoing top-up fees to the home
“One of our occupational therapists is working with an ex-farmworker. She and her husband claim they are supported by R.A.B.I and that you are able to provide support with adaptations, in this case a stairlift to go in to the property. This would enable the best of care for Mrs N and ensure a speedy and safe install.”
A ‘disabled facilities’ grant was obtained for Mrs N to pay for the stairlift and R.A.B.I also bought the couple a much-needed new fridge freezer.