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Violet Laidlaw Trust Fund

The Violet Laidlaw Trust Fund provides grants to support people made homeless as a result of alcohol and drug addiction, domestic violence, family breakdown and mental ill health in Cumbria. The fund was established through a bequest from the estate of Violet Laidlaw, formerly of Scotby and Carlisle, who studied home economics and the nursing of sick children. Her philosophy was to be considerate to others, always finding the good points in people and never passing judgement. From a young age she showed a concern for the welfare of the homeless and less-fortunate, giving support whenever needed. Priority is given to applicants from Carlisle. The fund accepts applications from both individuals who are supported by an independent case worker or health professional, and charitable groups helping homeless people in the district of Carlisle. Grants are typically awarded between £500 and £1,000 over one year, though there is no maximum award amount. Normally, individuals will qualify for only one award from the Fund.

Janetta Topsy Laidlaw Trust Fund

The Janetta Topsy Laidlaw Trust Fund was established from a bequest from the estate of Janetta T Laidlaw, who died in January 2007. Janetta was an occupational health specialist who worked for the Cumbria Health Authority before her retirement. As a compassionate and generous person, she expressed her wish that a trust be created to assist older people to remain in their own homes and to provide additional care for them. The Trust seeks to assist people experiencing significant hardship by supporting activities or costs which enable older people to remain in their homes and the provision of additional care. Her particular concern was the importance of retaining older people's dignity. The fund is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation and serves the former Carlisle City Council area. The fund accepts applications from charitable groups helping older people in the former Carlisle City Council area, as well as from individuals in the area who are supported by health professionals or social workers. Applications from individuals must be supported by a health care professional such as a general practitioner or district nurse, or by a social worker. The maximum grant is normally £500 over one year, and individuals will normally only qualify for one award from the Trust.