Martin's story

Martin lives in Whitstable and, like many of us, can be found this summer enjoying the heat, the sunshine and a cold pint in his garden. He is one of the thirty-one clergy widowers who we have had the privilege of supporting, with over £50,000 in grants, in the first six months of this year.

Having applied for one of our Emergency grants to replace a broken appliance several years ago, he was surprised to learn that the Trust could also support him with a Health grant towards mobility aids and equipment, household adaptations or assistive technologies.

If you are serving or retired clergy, their spouse or partner, a separated or divorced partner, widow or widower, we would encourage you to use our handy Eligibility Checker to see whether we might be able to help you with the challenges you face, and make life a little bit easier.

Martin is sat on a dark blue mobility scooter. Behind him is a long stretch of sandy beach, leading to the ocean.

How did you first learn about the Trust?

"I think it was from a magazine from the Church of England, and there was a Clergy Support Trust leaflet inside.
It explained everything to me, and was very useful. I hadn't realised that you could help with health, wellbeing and stuff like that!
I spoke to one of your Grants & Services Officers, who was great, very helpful, and who got things moving for me. I received a grant for a replacement oven around three or four years ago, because the one I had was conking out and wasn't working properly.
More recently, I applied for the mobility scooter, and I've been out on it every day of the week since I got it. It's a godsend, it's amazing."

How has the Trust helped you?

"The Trust funded an Occupational Therapy Assessment. The therapist, Ruth was really, really good, and knew exactly the type of mobility scooter that I would need.
I wanted my own independence, you know? I wanted to be able to go out and about as I please. It got to a point where I was using taxis three or four times a week, if not more, to go to a local shop up the road from my house, and it was costing me an absolute fortune.
But since I got this mobility scooter, it's just unbelievable, having that freedom to come and go as you want. I'm so pleased.
I didn't know that the Trust could help with something like this. I'm actually quite amazed. It wasn't cheap, and I felt guilty for Clergy Support Trust or the Church of England having to pay the full cost - but you did, and the freedom it's given me is unbelievable."

Martin is sat on a dark blue mobility scooter, parked on the beach, facing the sea. The sky is a tranquil blue, with light clouds.

A zoomed in photo of the rear-view mirror of a mobility scooter. Martin is in the reflection, wearing glasses and a cap.

Martin's words of thanks

"There are so many people that I would like to thank.
From your Occupational Therapist, to Canterbury City Council for all they've done, because they've spent over £6,000 to get all of the work outside of the house finished to make it accessible. It was all done for free!
I'd also like to thank the Grants & Services Officer who supported me to make the application, which helped enormously, and Daniel at Church House, who helps with the benefits side of things.
It's important to me that their efforts and the trouble they've gone to - that they're noticed, you know? People rarely get praise for what they do, and it's important to me to recognise how they've helped to improve my life.
Thank you for what you've done for me. It means a lot."

Jun's story

"It's a Grace of God that we have Clergy Support Trust, and you can trust them."

Paul and Jo's story

"A psychiatrist identified what I was experiencing as bipolar. I thought 'Oh my goodness. That explains the past thirty odd years!'"

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Photography: Clergy Support Trust

Clergy Support Trust is the largest and oldest charity focussed on the wellbeing of clergy and their families. The Trust, originally founded in 1655, provides confidential help for Anglican clergy and their families across the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, and Diocese in Europe. The Trust are confidential, independent, inclusive, and impartial, and we support clergy from training through to retirement. In 2025, we supported over 2,900 households with more than 7,000 grants.