“I feel part of something, a
family. I feel supported and that
somebody cares. Thank you.”
How we can help
We make cash grants to meet exceptional needs such as replacing appliances, disability equipment or essential repairs. We may also offer ongoing support to those for whom state support is insufficient. The financial support we offer includes 6-monthly grants, mid-year and Christmas grants, one off grants and convalescent holiday grants. There’s no blueprint to the type of person or case that we take on - see our case studies below to see how FIT has been able to have a positive impact on a wide range of people’s lives.
To find out if you're eligible for assistance, fill out the form on the link below.
Who we help
Unlike any other charity, FIT offers support and aid to those who have worked in ALL sectors of the footwear industry including manufacturing, retail, repair, wholesale, design and component manufacture. If you live in the UK, have worked in the trade for five years or more, and have fallen on hard times, you could be eligible for a grant.
Not sure if you qualify? Contact us to find out if we can help you.
Case studies
DIANE
After 14 years in retail Diane, a hardworking mother of 3, was made redundant. Unable to pay her bills she was at her wits end, unsure how to clothe or even feed her children. FIT was able to help and gave her not only an initial one-off grant to help bring her finances in line but also a series of regular payments until she was able to get back on her feet.
CYRIL
Cyril, aged 76, was suffering from deteriorating mobility and was all but house bound. Unable to get out to see friends or even go to the shops his mental health was also beginning to suffer. Thankfully a grant from FIT allowed him to buy a new mobility scooter and Cyril has found a whole new lease of life.
CHRIS
Furloughed during the pandemic, Chris, a 40-year-old shoe repair technician, found himself unable to meet his day-to-day expenses. In desperation he borrowed money and soon his debt was out of control leaving Chris unable even to afford the fees for a bankruptcy application. With nowhere to turn FIT stepped in and helped Chris with those fees - now free from his debts Chris is back working in a local shoe repair shop full time.
KAREN
Being a single Mum is hard work but after 8 years in the retail sector Karen found herself unable to buy essentials for her home like a cooker or a new bed for her son. The trouble was, she couldn’t work the extra hours she needed to raise the money due to high childcare costs and no support network to help out. Thankfully, FIT was on hand to give a her a £500 grant to buy a cooker and a new bed for her son.
BETTY
Betty was an independent lady of 65 who, despite many years in the footwear trade, had found herself in fuel poverty and with considerable rent arrears. She resolved to go back to work part time to solve her financial problems. However, just as she was about to begin her new job she received the worst possible news - she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Unable to work she turned to FIT who paid her rent arrears and bought her warm clothes for the winter.
MILLIE
Millie worked for many years in the manufacturing sector but suffered in an abusive relationship. Finally plucking up the courage, she took her children and left her home to seek safety. She managed to gather enough money for a deposit on a flat but had nothing left to buy essentials such as a fridge and microwave. Hearing of her plight, FIT gave her the money for these things and helped her and her children on the way to a new, safer life.
Do you have a friend in need?
FIT are here to help all of our friends in the footwear community and we know that times are tough for an ever increasing number of people. If you know of somebody who is in a time of crisis, get in touch as we may be able to help.
How it works
We receive hundreds of requests for help on behalf of people from the footwear community every year, usually referred to us by local agencies with close knowledge of the special problems of the individuals concerned.
We do accept applications from individuals. All you need do to apply for assistance is to fill out our simple form and give us some details about your circumstances and needs. We’ll get back to you to let you know if FIT is able to help, or with advice of who else you may be able to turn to if you’re not eligible for our assistance.
You can make a difference!
All of the money raised and donated by you goes straight to those in need, but we need to keep those donations coming in to help more and more people. Download our Fundraising Pack to find out some fun ways you can help.
