Tsunami hardship fund launched
 | | | The British Red Cross has launched a grants programme for people experiencing extreme financial hardship as a result of the Asian tsunami on Boxing Day last year. | |
| The Tsunami Hardship Fund will make charitable grants of up to £10,000 available to successful applicants, as well as up to £2,000 to pay for medically prescribed counselling that is not available on the NHS.
In the immediate aftermath of the 26 December disaster, the Red Cross supported traumatised and bereaved UK nationals in the tsunami-affected countries and helped British holidaymakers return home. A Tsunami Support Network was set up in March to offer further support to those affected.
Margaret Lally, director of UK service development at the Red Cross, explained: “We know from members of the support network we established that there are some people experiencing severe financial hardship as a result of the tsunami. Some families have lost their principal breadwinner, others cannot return to work because of the trauma they continue to suffer.
“Now that these particular needs are clear we are making these grants available. The payments are not compensation but charitable grants intended to help ease the financial hardship some people are suffering.”
Bereaved spouses, live-in partners or any other financially dependent relatives of the deceased are eligible for a grant. Individuals who have been unable to work as a result of an injury or the psychological trauma caused by the tsunami can also apply. Application forms are available from www.tsunamisupportnetwork.org.uk by emailing thf@redcross.org.uk or by calling 0845 054 7474.
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