Charities & Almshouses
The Greenwich Charity
The Greenwich Charity is an amalgamation of a number of local charities. Its object is to help people resident in the area it covers who are in need, hardship or distress by making grants or providing items, services or facilities. In the year ended 31 March 2017, the charity made grants totalling £14,000 to individuals and organisations. The Charity of Charles Soames, which shares the same trustees, makes grants to help meet the needs of people resident in the same area who are sick or have disabilities. Randall's Charity, which also shares the same trustees, makes grants for the general benefit of the inhabitants of the same area.
The area of benefit for all three charities was recently redefined to comprise that part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich which lies within postal districts SE3, SE7, SE8, SE10 and SE13.
The Vicar of St Alfege is a trustee ex officio of the three charities and the trustees currently include other members of St Alfege Church congregation.
Enquiries regarding possible assistance may be made through the Charities' website at www.thegreenwichcharities.com, or by post to The Trustees of the Greenwich Charities, c/o St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, London SE10 9BJ.
The Greenwich Charities of William Hatcliffe and the Misses Smith
Getting older while retaining your enjoyment of life and independence at home, and your enjoyment of life, can sometimes be a struggle. The Greenwich Charities of William Hatcliffe and the Misses Smith help older people living independently in Greenwich to do so with dignity and comfort. They are able to make small, one-off grants between £50 and £500 to people over the age of 55 to purchase items to help them to continue to live independently and comfortably. If you are over 55, live in your own home (not a care home) within our catchment area in Greenwich and would benefit from some financial help to purchase an item that would make life a little easier, then email Greenwich.hatcliffe@gmail.com or write to Katrina Taylor, Administrator, Rossall, 14E Park Vista, London SE10 9LZ. The Vicar of St Alfege is a trustee ex officio and enquiries regarding possible assistance may be made through him.
Sheltered accommodation in the parish
Queen Elizabeth College alms houses (Drapers Foundation) opposite Greenwich railway station, and Trinity Hospital (Mercers Company) on Old Woolwich Road, sit within the parish of St Alfege. Both clergy and lay volunteers provide a weekly service of worship to each community, in their respective chapels.