The Ben, Scotland’s drinks and hospitality industry trade charity, is set to launch an emergency fund next week to support individuals within the trade who are experiencing financial hardship.
The new ‘Cost of Living Grant’ will be available from 10 to 24 October, providing one-off payments of £500 to up to 100 people in need.
Warren Paul, president of The Ben, said: “The past few years have been challenging for people and businesses across the UK, with the drinks and hospitality industry hit particularly hard.
“With energy and fuel prices rising, as well as the cost of a weekly grocery shop, we are launching this emergency fund to support those most in need who are currently working within the Scottish drinks and hospitality trade.
“Applications open on Monday 10 October and will remain open for a fortnight, allowing us to provide instant financial aid to up to 100 people.
“Times are tough for everyone, and we hope this grant will go some way to providing a little financial relief for some of the valued and hard-working individuals who are currently keeping our trade afloat.”
The Ben’s Cost of Living Grant is open to applications from people currently employed within the drinks industry who average 30 hours per week.
Applicants must have worked in the drinks and hospitality trade for at least three years to be eligible for consideration. This includes within all licensed on-trade settings such as bars, pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, hotels wholesalers, suppliers and distilleries.
This one-off fund is exclusively for those are currently employed. It is being provided in addition to the traditional support The Ben has always offered to those who have previously worked in the drinks and hospitality industry and require financial, medical, or mental health support.
To be considered for a share of this grant, fill in the application form which will be live on The Ben website from Monday 10 October.
For more information on the work of The Ben in Scotland, please go to https://bensoc.org.uk