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What the LTC is About

Many members of the Guild of Master Victuallers will be aware of the work of the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC). Since the merger of the LVNH and the SLV in 2004, which formed the LTC, the charity has continued to provide a vital lifeline to anyone who has worked, or who is still working in the licensed drinks trade either serving, delivering or producing alcohol. The LTC provides support in a variety of ways including information over the phone; financial grants when a crisis occurs; retirement housing nominations for anyone over 55 years of age whatever their financial situation, in addition to providing equipment such as wheelchairs and bathroom adaptations for those less able and financial assistance for the essentials in life. (For full details on how you qualify, please call 01344 884440.)

“What’s important for us to highlight is that many people approach us when they have no where or no one to turn to,” said Liz Gaffer, Director of Charity and Marketing Services, “but the Licensed Trade Charity is available to anybody at any stage. As with most situations the earlier you seek help, the quicker you can tackle the problem. “Many people struggle on alone with no advice and that’s when the LTC should be the first port of call. It’s not just about helping people at the end of their career; we can offer advice, information and support to people whilst they are still working in the industry. If you know of someone who is in need of information like benefit entitlements or any other form of support, please give them our details and tell them to get in touch.”

In 2006, the number of individual grants awarded to those who approached the LTC rose by 35% and given the changes to the industry over the last year, specifically the situation that the tenants and lessees of companies like Provence and Countrywide Inns and the London & Edinburgh Swallow Group found themselves in, the LTC is expecting an increase in demand for assistance in 2007.

Each year, the LTC provides thousands of pounds worth of support and financial assistance to fellow colleagues in the industry. The 2007 fundraising target is £1million and the LTC is counting on the support of everyone who works in the sector in order to reach this target.

“One of our aims for 2007 is to communicate with a wider audience within the trade in order that people are aware of the support we can provide”, said Liz, “and a huge part of that communication is developing and forging stronger relationships with member organisations such as the Guild of Master Victuallers.

“As people become more aware of the Charity, the need for financial contribution is even greater to continue to offer the support that we give. We rely on donations from corporate organisations and from individuals and without this we couldn’t offer our assistance.

“We would like to appeal to all the members of the Guild of Master Victuallers to ask for their support in making 2007 the year of giving for your colleagues who have worked, or who are still working in the sector and not to forget about the trade’s own charity, the Licensed Trade Charity when organising fundraising events. ”If you would like to order a copy of the Licensed Trade Charity’s video which illustrates who and how we help, or you would like more information on how the Licensed Trade Charity can help you, please contact (T) 01344 884 440.

Edited by: mat on the 08/06/2007 9:23:01 PM

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