Thurles Information

Age Action have launched a COVID-19 Hardship Fund, in conjunction with the Irish Red Cross.

This fund is in response to the immediate needs of older people in vulnerable situations right across Ireland, latter who may be experiencing additional hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic health crisis.

Both Age Action and the Irish Red Cross know that some older people in vulnerable situations who are at the highest risk of the corona virus, may need additional supports over the coming weeks, particularly as they are now required to cocoon to protect themselves and those immediately around them.

This scheme is specifically designed to provide practical relief, in alleviating any unforeseen/unexpected hardships that they may experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Age Action in conjunction with the Irish Red Cross are making a once-off grant, up to a maximum of €500, per person/household affected.

Who Can Apply: Older people in need of assistance, family members supporting an older person and carers of older people, social workers and local voluntary organisations or community groups providing direct assistance to individuals within this target group.

What Can I Apply For: Any practical needs that are adding to your hardship as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased social distancing restrictions of cocooning for the over 70’s. This can include costs of the following examples and other needs as they arise, within the scope of this fund;

Small household maintenance, repairs and safety improvements
Food and basic provisions and associated delivery costs
Upgraded or New Small Appliances (fridge, freezer, washing machine, TV, cooker, etc.)
Providing Digital Technology Equipment, for example smart phones or tablets
Contribution towards increased energy costs or telephone bills
Contribution towards additional home or personal security costs
Contribution towards additional travel costs for essential reasons (medical appointments, etc.)

How Do I Apply: The COVID-19 Hardship Fund Application Form is available HERE, or you can contact their offices to request a form by contacting them at Email: hardship2020@redcross.ie

Phone: Irish Red Cross at 01 6424600 or Age Action at 01 475 6989

Please ensure that you clearly outline the need for which you are applying; how the grant will alleviate hardship and what it will be used for and details of the costs, (Remember, up to a maximum of €500).

What Happens Next: Age Action and the Irish Red Cross will assess applications and oversee distribution of the funds on a weekly basis and successful applicants will be notified as soon as possible.

A member of staff from Age Action or the Irish Red Cross will contact you if they need further information.

They will ask that you verify that the funds are being used for the purpose intended, by supplying receipts and photographic evidence where possible.

Note: Closing date for applications is 31st August 2020.

If your company is interested in becoming a Corporate Partner or if you would like to organise a fundraising event to raise funds for the Covid-19 Hardship Fund, please contact Caroline O’Connell, Head of Fundraising at headoffundraising@ageaction.ie