Publicans tend to be an independent bunch, but there are times when misfortune means even the most self-reliant need a helping hand - and that's why the licensed trade has its own charity.This summer the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) came into its own when many licensees and their families temporarily lost their source of income during the floods, and the organisation is on alert should foot-and-mouth hit businesses as it did a few years ago.
Then there are the troubles that can afflict anyone - illness, accident, the breakdown of a relationship.
In fact, the number of people applying to the LTC is on the increase. In the first half of 2007 the charity helped 35 per cent more than it did over the same period the previous year.The roots of the LTC go back more than 200 years, but the current organisation was formed in 2004 with the merger of the Society of Licensed Victuallers and the Licensed Victuallers National Homes.
It makes one-off grants of up to £2,000 or can pay a regular allowance of up to £20 a week for a single person or £30 a week for a couple, plus it will pay bills and make additional payments for Christmas and cold weather.
The LTC also runs two private schools and offers bursaries to enable the children of licensees to attend.
"We are hoping that more people in the licensed trade will make us the first port of call when they have nowhere else to turn," says head of welfare Kath Gill.
It's simple to apply, and the scheme is open to anyone in the trade, from brewery workers to barstaff. So make a note of the number - you never know when you might need it.
Need help?
• Call the LTC's welfare department on 01344 884440
• A local volunteer will normally pay you a visit and find out about your case and what you need
• Complete an application, which will be supplemented by the volunteer's report
• The decision will be made by a monthly welfare meeting.
CASE STUDY: Lee & Cath Davies
The LTC came to the aid of Lee and Cath Davies, licensees of the Crinoline Bridge in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, when their pub was devastated by the floods over the summer. The pub has only just reopened after being closed for three months and three days.
Lee and Cath moved into the Crinoline Bridge as tenants of Enterprise Inns at the beginning of the year, and along with their 12-year-old daughter Shannon, live above the pub.
The floods took away their livelihood and although the Davies had contents insurance cover for up to £20,000 it wasn't enough to cover their losses. They were distraught.
With no income at all and only a small interim payment from the insurance company the family was rapidly running out of funds and had no money for basic day-to-day living expenses.
When they received a letter from the LTC sent to all pubs in the areas affected by the floods, they contacted the charity for assistance. One of the charity's volunteer visitors called on the family and as a result of her visit they were awarded a grant of £2,000 to be paid over 10 weeks, to provide them with daily essentials and help them get back on their feet.
"The LTC was absolutely brilliant," says Cath. "I'm not sure how we would have coped if it wasn't for the help it gave us. Enterprise helped us as much as it could but the generous allowance from the LTC certainly took some of the worry off and we were able to focus on getting the pub up and running, rather than worry about where the money would come from."
CASE STUDY: Carol Fortune
Another way the LTC helps those working in the trade is by providing regular assistance over a period of time. When she lost her pub and became homeless, Carol Fortune contacted the charity for help with taking care of her kids. Now her life is taking a turn for the better.
Back in July 2000 Carol was running a pub with her husband who left without warning, leaving her penniless to look after their two boys Aaron and Adam, aged five and six.
Carol tried to keep running the pub on her own but caring for the children at the same time made it difficult. Her health suffered and she was evicted from the pub leaving her and the boys homeless.
She tried to find a job but family responsibilities and the usual benefits poverty trap conspired against her.
It was while staying in local authority temporary bed and breakfast accommodation waiting to be re-housed that Carol approached the LTC to apply for bursaries for Adam and Aaron so they could attend one of the two schools managed by the charity.
The LTC awarded full bursaries for them both and also agreed to pay for all the academic extras.
Now life for Carol and her family seems to be back on track. With a home, a new job as a dental receptionist and the assurance of a good schooling for her children, she seems to be finally experiencing the life she deserves.