ABOUT

what is the
Williamson children's Trust?

The Williamson Children’s Trust (WCT) is a charity affiliated to Family Care Group. It was established in 2013 by Ged Williamson who after spending his working life building Family Care Group wanted to leave a meaningful legacy upon his retirement.

The Williamson Children’s Trust awards small grants to young people as they get older and often as they move on from the care system and into independent living. The grants aim to provide the young people with things that are often out of reach for young people and care leavers who haven’t got parents to be ‘the bank of mum and dad’. Often this may be something that will help them to achieve their goals in life, for example a laptop to work on at University. Alternatively, it could be that being able to drive would enable them to broaden their horizons or strengthen their job prospects. On occasions, it might be that funding is granted to help develop a skill or hobby for which they are passionate about such as music, art and design or sport.

Whatever the request the Trust bears its principles in mind when coming to a decision as to whether to grant funding – will this funding make a positive long-lasting difference to the young person’s life.

Why was the Williamson Children’s
Trust Established?

Ged Williamson, through his work with Family Care Group was always frustrated at the lack of support given to young people as they left the care system. He recognised the challenges that they faced without the support of parents behind them and the financial security which they can bring. This frustration formed the basis of the rationale for the establishment of WCT. The Trust would help to support independence and build a brighter future for care leavers.

How does the Williamson children's Trust work?

Any young person who has been under the care of Family Care Group is eligible to apply. It doesn’t matter how long ago it was. Social Workers, Foster Carers or any other professionals are also eligible to apply on behalf of a young person. The maximum amount you can apply for at any one time is £600 (in the case of driving lessons £700), however the Trustees will consider larger amounts in exceptional circumstances. Applications can be applied for all year round and are made by completing the form on this website. Once your application is received you will be contacted by the Trust’s Development Worker, Fiona Maudsley. The applications are considered by the board of Trustees as they are received. There is usually no need to wait for the Trustees to meet for decisions to be made. Once a decision is made you will again be contacted by Fiona and the next steps discussed. The Trust try to make the process as simple as possible. Only one grant per year can be applied for, however in exceptional circumstances this can be reviewed.