Apply now: Community grants available from The Charity of Joseph Harrison in Wakefield

The Charity of Joseph Harrison has tens of thousands to allocate via community grants to local residents with an enduring mental health issue or learning disability is inviting applications for the 2025 round of grants.

Organisers say people often are not aware they can help, and the charity doesn’t know what they need unless they get in touch. Charity chair, Wendy Plummer, said: “If you don’t ask, we don’t know what you need.”

By offering financial support to people with ongoing needs, the charity hopes to make a real difference.

Applications

There are many things they money can be used for, and many people who might be eligible. Perhaps you need driving lessons, a break away, equipment or furniture for your home? Grants of between £500 and £1800 are available. More than 100 grants were issued last year, and this year there is a fund of around £50,000 for people living in and around Wakefield.

Charity roots

It’s named after Joseph Harrison who was a friend of the first medical director of Stanley Royd Asylum in Wakefield. He donated £5000 to buy land so that the patients at that hospital could work the land, giving them gainful employment and fresh food.

The charity was set up in 1841 to also aid patients and their families on discharge as often the patients returned to a life of abject poverty, unable to pay rent that ended up in families living on the street, and operated in that form for over 100 years. When the land was sold off in the early 2000s the charity was allocated some of the proceeds, which they invested and use the dividends to continue to help those in the community.

Who can apply?

To be considered, the recipient must have a diagnosed mental health condition or a learning disability. A carer or loved one can apply on their behalf, or a local group can help recipients with their application. However, the process is simple. To be eligible recipients must fit the health criteria above, and pay their council tax to Wakefield Council.

How to apply?

There’s no complicated forms or digital process, simply send a single A4 sheet with your name, address, phone number, disability to the charity’s PO box number. Add in what disability you have and what you would use the grant for and how it would benefit your life. Photocopies of evidence of disability will be required.

Applications close for the latest round of grants on September 30. The charity Trustee Board will meet in November to consider all applications with cheques sent to recipients before Christmas.

To apply, or find out more details, go to https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/charity/the-charity-of-joseph-harrison