Definition

Help when essential home modifications are needed - for example installing stairlifts or providing other mobility aids, either within or outside the home.

How we have helped

We helped Jean
We helped Jean a part-time counter clerk make up the shortfall of funding for her son Tom’s electric wheelchair. Jean had been fundraising to buy the vehicle to improve her teenage son’s quality of life who suffers from muscular dystrophy, but had fallen short of the total. We supported Jean and now Tom can get around outdoors under his own steam.

We helped Mrs J
Mrs J, a postwoman for 15 years was medically retired recently with crumbling vertebrae that limits her mobility to the extent that she needs a walking stick to help her get around. She lives in an old Victorian house that is in need of repair. A few years ago she took out a commercial loan to replace the dilapidated windows in the house but could not afford to replace the doors that were also beyond reasonable repair. She asked for our help and we obliged and she is now secure in her home with new front and back doors.

Applying for Help

If you are in need of financial support and think you may be eligible for assistance, it's very easy to apply to the Fund for help. If you are an employee of Royal Mail Group or in receipt of an occupational pension, or are a deferred pensioner you should contact the support helpline provided by Royal Mail. 

The number is: 0800 6 888 777
The service is free of charge and is available day or night.

You will be in contact with a trained adviser who will undertake a short telephone assessment and prepare a report detailing your position and, with your agreement, forward the report to the Fund for consideration by Trustees.  You will be asked to give details of your income and expenditure and any savings you have, as well as details of your Royal Mail service. Also, you may be required to provide documentation that supports your application such as medical or other evidence of need, along with cost estimates where applicable. 

Third party applications

If you are a third party organisation such as another charity, Age Concern, the Citizen's Advice Bureau or a Local Authority, and are applying on behalf of a client then you should provide as much background information and supporting documentation as possible on the need for help, and forward the papers to: 

The Rowland Hill Fund, Royal Mail Mount Pleasant, Farringdon Road, London EC1A 1BB
If you wish to discuss any points such as eligibilty then please contact the Fund office on 020 7239 2271