Harpenden Trust Help Soars

More families and individuals than ever before were supported by Harpenden Trust in the year to the end of March 2019, the Trust's annual report and accounts show.

Trained volunteers visited 596 people in their homes and were able to help them both financially and in other ways. In the previous year the Trust helped 433 people.

In addition, 82 people were helped with furniture needs. Seventy-eight more received help with their utility bills.

Over the year, funding from the Trust enabled 93 children in Harpenden schools to go on curriculum-related trips - that was more than double the year before.

"What the figures show," says chairman Rodger Livesey, "is the importance of having a truly local charity with its feet on the ground with an army of volunteers who can react very quickly when families hit a problem patch.

"That was the vision of those who set up the Trust in the dark days just after World War II. I don't suppose they thought a growing number of our townspeople would still need support."

Whilst Harpenden Trust is willingly responding to growing calls for help, anecdotal evidence is that continuing problems with Universal Credit are primarily responsible for the rise. The Trust expects to spend about £100,000 again this year to make sure no-one is left behind. The Trust this year is also one of the Town Mayor's chosen charities, who will raise more more valuable funds to benefit the residents of Harpenden.

 

In Forum, Harpenden Town Council's Quarterly Newsletter, September 2019 - Issue 170

23 September 2019

In Other News

Thank you to the Hertfordshire Chamber Orchestra

02 October 2025
A huge thank you to the Hertfordshire Chamber Orchestra who performed at St Nicholas Church, Harpenden on Saturday 13th September. A fantastic total of just under £1000 was raised and donated to the Harpenden Trust. Richard Nichols, Harpenden Trust Chair, spoke in the interval to thank everyone involved and to give an overview of the Harpenden Trust and the many ways in which it continues to support the local community.
More

Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary and the Harpenden Trust Community Fund

30 September 2025
Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary is a very successful local charity who rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs from Harpenden and surrounding villages that are then released back into the wild.  Hedgehogs are on the list of endangered species.  They also run a range of outreach and educational activities for the local community, focusing on schools, childrens groups and local environmental and wildlife groups. The charity has been running for 10 years and during that time has seen a…
More

New Volunteering Opportunity at the Harpenden Trust

21 September 2025
We are looking for a new team member to join our Home Visiting team.  Please see the advert above for more details.  To view all of our current volunteering posts, please click here.  We also welcome enquiries from anyone thinking of volunteering and wanting to learn more about the variety of opportunities at the Trust.  
More

Hertfordshire Chamber Orchestra Concert - Saturday 13 September 2025 at 7.30pm

01 September 2025
The Hertfordshire Chamber Orchestra is proud to present a concert on Saturday 13th September at 7.30pm at St Nicholas Church. All proceeds will go to the Harpenden Trust. Tickets are available in advance from the Harpenden Trust Office at 90 Southdown Road, weekdays between 10:00am and 12:00, or on the door at the concert. Tickets £20, Concessions 60+ £15, under 18s free. Refreshments will be available. Last year over £1300 was raised for the Trust at this event and we hope this year will…
More