Thomas Trust Fund
The former Trustees of the Thomas Trust transferred the Trust’s capital to create a bespoke Community Foundation Fund in 2014 and continue to award grants to care for elderly, disabled and blind people in the Godalming area.
Betty Thomas was a forthright lady and very determined that the Trust she intended to set up should be run professionally and fully exercise her wishes and stipulations. Her concerns for the elderly, blind and disabled demonstrated her kindness and desire to assist on a long term basis.
The previous Trustees of the Thomas Trust are most encouraged at the enhanced awareness and profile brought to the charitable aspirations of Betty Thomas through having the privilege of being part of a larger and prestigious organisation in the Community Foundation for Surrey
Dr Chris Jagger MBE
Thomas Trust Fund Panel Member
Example grants from the fund:
Bright Shadow – £1,800
Bright Shadow is a charity working to enable people living with dementia and those affected by it to live well and to thrive through creative and meaningful activities.
This grant supported the charity’s interactive performance ‘Zest’ workshops that use tried and tested methodology using story-making, movement, song, imagination and sensory stimuli to engage people in fun and meaningful activity to stimulate social interaction and facilitate community building within people with dementia. This funding allowed for the workshops to be set up and implemented in both Woking and Godalming for one year.
The Clockhouse – £3,000
The Clockhouse provides a safe, secure and stimulating environment for the over 60s living in Milford and the surrounding villages to meet. Attendees experience a full range of fun and engaging activities, as well as support throughout the sessions, while carers receive respite from their caring role.
This grant provided funding for the groups ‘Exercise and Balance Awareness Sessions’ to help support the fees for a qualified teacher to run the programme to the local group three days a week. Exercise sessions are invaluable for those who have been discharged from hospital after falls and illness and greatly improve balance and confidence. This grant helped build confidence in participants in the ability of getting out and about safely, prolonging independent living, as well as general exercise improving well being, stamina and mobility.
