The Gentleman Magazine Issue 20 | April 2020 | Page 82

THE GAMEKEEPERS’ WELFARE TRUST
The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust exists to do just that – look
after the welfare of gamekeepers, stalkers and ghillies (river and
deer) and their families, past present and future. The
Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust is a charity and is non membership
organisation. “ If you need us call us”
There are four main areas of support – the helpline which runs
24/7 which is confidental, and supports anyone who has a
problem with their physical or mental health, finances,
relationships, with a disability, redundancy, housing, accidents
at work and indeed anything at all which impacts on the
gamekeeper or family. Grants are offered for individuals and
families experiencing particular difficulty and these range from
driving lessons to support a retired gamekeeper suffering from
parkinsons disease, to child care for a young Mum who was
recovering from cancer treatment, top up fees for a care home
or rented home or carpets for a young family whose keeper has
had an accident leaving him with a serious back injury for
example.
Isolation and loneliness can be a serious issue which can
exacerbate a mental health problem. Letters, texts, flowers,
cards and phone calls are just a few of the range of support
given to individuals.
82 | The Gentleman Magazine “Powered by
Gamekeepers are more vulnerable than other professions when
things go wrong at work for any reason, accident, redundancy,
etc because they live and work in the same place often with a
number of working dogs. Gamekeepers are dedicated
knowledgeable people of the countryside who live for their
work with long hours and limited time for their families.
Housing has become an issue around the country, but for rural
people it is becoming a crisis with so many second homes,
highly priced homes in attractive areas and little provision in
remote locations. The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust is aware of
this and helps wherever possible to support someone concerned
over their future or reaching a point in their lives where
alternative housing is necessary.
Young gamekeepers and working keepers are assisted by
providing support to find jobs, c.vs and covering letters, a
separate website offering jobs and all associated issues. A
number of fact sheets ranging from finding a job, to disability,
relationships, debt and health as well as gamekeeping for life
packs are available free to all gamekeepers and students.
A ladies pack is to be launched shortly as it is often the lady of
the house who keeps the home fires burning, both in practical
terms and emotionally when times are tough. The Gamekeepers’
Welfare Trust recognises this and intends to offer further
support for partners and families.
, Securing the Internet of Things”