A1.  Any individual who worked for BHS for 12 months or more at any time and in any part of the retail business, i.e., Stores, Head Office – including Luton Finance and Atherstone. You also need to be a UK resident.

A2.  Yes, absolutely. If you’re facing financial difficulties, you can apply whether you’re currently in work, between jobs, on maternity leave or retired.

A3.  We can provide non-repayable financial grants to individuals facing difficult times. This might be due to struggling to pay bills, buy food or replace essential household furniture and appliances.

There are other instances of hardship which we can help with, such as funeral costs or emergency travel costs. We also offer days out or short breaks to individuals who are facing various challenges, providing much needed time away with partners & families or a solo break. We might suggest other forms of help or advice too.

A4.  We always do our best to help individuals facing difficult circumstances.

However, as a small charity, if your debts are beyond our level of support, we will suggest other organisations who can provide help with major debts

A5.  You can apply by phone on 07495 723550 or 07908 994146 or by email on contactus@bhstrustfund.com or online via our Apply Now page.

We will initially ask you for a few details about your circumstances, including where you worked and for how long. An application form will then be sent to you for completion, either by post or email to help us understand your difficulties. All information is treated with complete confidentiality. We can provide support to complete the form, should this be needed.

A6.  One of our case workers will contact you to discuss your application in confidence. This can take place by telephone or a face-to-face meeting in a quiet café, for example, whichever is preferred.

Once the case worker has a good understanding of how we might help you, they will send recommendations to our Trustees, who will agree the help to be offered. This will be communicated to you by your case worker.

A7.  On average 1-2 weeks. If you face an urgent situation such as eviction, utilities being cut off or not being able to buy food, we can act very quickly.

A8.  We do not share your information with other charities, organisations or government agencies. Your personal details are only ever used to allow the Trustee group to make an informed decision and will always be treated with complete confidentiality. Please read our privacy policy on our website bhstrustfund.com for further details.

A9.  If the Fund agrees to help you with bills or arrears, then we pay the supplier directly i.e., utility suppliers, credit card companies or local authorities and many other providers. If you need help with buying food, we can provide a supermarket gift card.

A10.  We will discuss your needs and ask you to select the product you require, within a given price range. The Fund will purchase and arrange for the delivery of the new item on your behalf.

A11.  No, our grants do not need to be repaid at any time.

A12. As a small charity, we aim to provide short term help, giving you breathing space or support when facing financial difficulties. Should you re-apply, your new situation will be assessed and responded to, as with your first application. Should we be unable to help, we will suggest other organisations who may be able to support you. 

A13.  No, as any financial help given is not classed as income, but a charitable award or gift.