The Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity

The Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance and support to current and former employees of the silversmithing and jewellery trades, as well as their spouses. It operates nationwide, encompassing all sectors of the trade including manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.

History and Purpose

The charity was established with the specific aim of aiding individuals within the silversmith and jewellery industry who experience hardship, poverty, sickness, or disability. It is particularly focused on those who have given a lifetime of service to the trade or who have faced unexpected adversity at younger ages. The organization addresses a unique need often unmet by state benefits or other social services, assisting members who fall upon hard times through no fault of their own.

Activities

The charity's principal activity is grant-making, providing either ongoing financial support or one-off grants to eligible individuals across the United Kingdom. Assistance is extended to both current and retired trade employees and their spouses who find themselves in financial difficulty. Many applicants are referred through other charitable organizations or social service departments when other avenues of support have been exhausted.

Impact and Beneficiaries

The charity supports a broad range of individuals, including elderly persons, people with disabilities, and other defined groups connected to the trade. Its work is vital in alleviating poverty and suffering among those who have historically contributed to the silversmithing and jewellery industries. The charity's interventions help improve the living conditions and well-being of its beneficiaries, often providing relief where state provisions are insufficient.

Governance and Operations

The Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity is governed by a board of thirteen trustees who oversee the organization's activities and ensure adherence to its mission. It also benefits from the support of volunteers. The charity does not employ any staff earning over £60,000 and does not engage in trading activities through subsidiaries. Trustee positions are unpaid, and they receive no remuneration or benefits from the charity.

Financial Overview

For the financial year ending 31 December 2023, the charity reported a total income of approximately £178,573 and expenditures amounting to around £245,757. This financial structure underpins their ongoing grant-making activities and support services.

Outreach and Fundraising

The charity participates in awareness-raising and fundraising events within the trade community. For example, events such as pub quizzes have been organized to generate funds and foster community engagement in support of the charity’s work.

The Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity plays a critical role within its niche community by offering essential support to those impacted by financial hardship related to their trade or health circumstances, thus preserving and honoring the heritage and welfare of the silversmith and jewellery industries in the UK.

[1] https://thesilversmithsandjewellerscharity.co.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/205785 [3] https://thesilversmithsandjewellerscharity.co.uk/about-us/ [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/sector-data/top-10-charities/-/charity-details/205785/full-print [5] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00518834/persons-with-significant-control