Established in 1886 and formerly known as The Benevolent before rebranding in March 2020, The Drinks Trust provides vocational, practical, emotional and financial support to those currently working, or who have worked, in the UK drinks sector.
The trust is now looking to provide financial one-off financial grants of £250 to as many as 2,000 qualifying individuals from the drinks industry, payable directly into their bank account.
“Many of us in the drinks industry may be able to carry on in our existing roles through access to the Government-funded salary grant but many others will be left in severe financial difficulties,” a statement from The Drinks Trust explained.
While it will look to prioritise individuals with health conditions and those caring for dependents, The Drinks Trust Covid-19 Relief Fund aims to help anyone who has been made redundant, subsequently not reinstated, and therefore ineligible for the Government’s salary grant scheme.
What’s more, workers on zero-hours contracts who were on either lesser incomes or hours and, as a result, will have limited income relief also qualify for the fund.
Additionally, individuals who have previously worked in bars, pubs or anyone who worked with drinks in restaurants and hotels – such as sommeliers and beverage managers – alcohol retailing businesses, or distribution may also apply via The Drinks Trust’s website before a deadline at 7pm on 14 April, or until 10,000 applications have been received.
Increased demand for services
The Drinks Trust also revealed it has seen a “significant increase” in the number of individuals from the drinks industry getting in touch regarding mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as sleep and insomnia issues.
In light of this, the trust has increased its helpline capacity and access to talking therapies, as well as pledging continued support to more than 350 vulnerable beneficiaries and in excess of £30,000 a month in ongoing grants.
