Charity News

Haberdasher Incumbent Appointed Bishop's Adviser for Women
The Revd Mary Thomas has been appointed as the Bishop of Lichfield’s new Adviser for Women In Ministry.  

She will take on the key advocacy role as the diocese continues to work to ensure that women in ordained ministry experience better development and flourishing.

Mary has been Vicar of the united benefice of Albrighton, Boningale and Donington in Shropshire since 2015. Before ordination she was a qualified teacher who had the privilege of teaching in Wolverhampton, Kathmandu and Jakarta... Read More


Haberdashers’ funding helps small business pave the way to reach the big time
Small business Vidicrew was awarded a £2,000 grant in 2018 as one of the University of East London start-up businesses. It is now reaching new levels of growth.

 

The Haberdashers’ Company’s partnership with UEL endeavours to combat the ‘three-year flop’ seen among many fledgling businesses in London.

Our funding targets the point at which businesses are most likely to fail. It helps bridge the gap between start-up and scale-up where there is very little support or funding... Read More


Pan-Livery initiative No Going Back has a ‘successful start’ in the first sixth months of the project
Despite prison lock-downs, lack of face-to-face support and the pandemic’s effect on the employment market, No Going Back has made a ‘successful start’, according to the interim evaluation. 

 

The No Going Back programme underwent a significant re-design to adapt to the demands of delivering a remote service. Both participants and staff provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the quality and range of help provided. 

The Haberdashers’ Company awarded the scheme a £100,000 grant... Read More


Longstanding charity partner Guildhall School rises up University (music) league table
The Haberdashers’ Company has enjoyed working in partnership with the Guildhall School for over twenty years. Since 1999 we have supported a wide range of students, enabling them to study at this prestigious institution, despite challenging economic backgrounds.

Ella de Jongh performing the role of Silvia in Mascagni’s Zanetto, November 2020. Photo credit Mihaela Bodlovic

Guildhall has risen to fourth place of all higher education institutions for Music in the 2021 Guardian... Read More


New Partnership for Haberdashers' Company with London College of Fashion
The Haberdashers’ Company is excited to begin a new partnership with London College of Fashion, offering one postgraduate student the chance to become the ‘Haberdashers’ Scholar’.      

Until the mid-1600s the Haberdashers were fashion retailers, specialising in accessories. From hats to handbags, the Haberdashers were experts in this unique and dedicated trade. 

The Haberdashers’ Company continues to maintain strong links... Read More


Still Standing with the Sector

We, along with a wider group of funders, recognise that the impact of the covid-19 outbreak continues to have a significant impact on civil society groups, and want to offer renewed assurance that we stand with the sector at this time.

As covid-19 hit our communities we saw how the incredible work of civil society groups helped people through the worst of times. We know civil society will also be crucial to the recovery and renewal of our communities beyond the crisis, and think it’s important to say that we’re not going anywhere – we’re going to be on the side of communities and... Read More


Haberdashers' Grant Helps 10,800 People in Prison to Learn to Read
In September 2020 the Haberdashers' Benevolent Foundation celebrated the end of a 3-year grant of £45,000 to the Shannon Trust, a charity that teaches people in prison to read. Since then, 10,800 prisoners have benefited, vastly enhancing their prospects.  

"I feel more confident with writing letters to my family and friends and look forward to the replies. I know there’s still a long road ahead but I’m pleased I’ve made my first steps. I hope to continue with... Read More


Bunbury Parish Photo Chosen by Duchess of Cambridge for Hold Still Photographic Exhibition at National Portrait Gallery
A photo taken at St Boniface, Bunbury, one of eight Haberdasher Company parishes, has been chosen by the Duchess of Cambridge to appear in the exhibition 'Hold Still', a selection of photos taken throughout the country during lockdown, at the National Portrait Gallery. 

"When it was announced church buildings were to be closed to the public to reduce the transmission of the virus, I wanted to assure our community that, although we couldn't gather physically, their photos in church were a symbol that they... Read More


Haberdashers' Donation Helps Homeless Young People, Badly Housed Families and Others in Need
The Haberdashers' Benevolent Foundation recently made a donation, with the Master’s matching funding scheme, to the Cardinal Hume Centre, a charity which enables people to gain the skills they need to overcome poverty and homelessness. It works with homeless young people, badly housed families and others in need.

“This is such a challenging time and we are continuing to support vulnerable people as best we can. We continue to provide a home to 36 young homeless residents with staff from across the Centre stepping in to cover for hostel staff who are ‘... Read More


Haberdashers' Donation Makes Difference to Seriously and Terminally Ill Children
The Haberdashers' Benevolent Foundation recently made a donation, with the Master's matching funding scheme, to Spread a Smile, a charity which brings joy and laughter to seriously and terminally ill children and their families during intensive treatment and extended hospital stays. 

 

"We are so grateful for the very generous £450 that Spread a Smile received from a Haberdashers member and the subsequent matching from the Company. This donation will enable us to provide 45 seriously or terminally children who are isolated in... Read More