How We Help
When Essex farmer, John Joseph Mechi founded RABI in 1860, it was ‘for the relief of farmers, their widows and orphans’. The RABI of today extends much wider and, despite retaining its Victorian name, finds 21st century solutions to the problems people face when they are suffering hardship through age, disability or in times of crisis.
Regular support for retired beneficiaries
The majority of RABI's beneficiaries are elderly and / or disabled and, unless their circumstances change, we care for them for the rest of their lives. According to individual needs, they receive:
- Quarterly grants
- Payment of telephone rental costs and lifeline alarms
- Annual TV licence fees (if under 75)
- Birthday and Christmas hampers or flowers
- Christmas grant
- Winter grant paid on 1st March to help with seasonal expenses
- Financial assistance with the cost of a home help
- Provision to cover Care Home shortfalls, where there is a gap between the amounts paid by the local authority and the fees charged
- A visit by a regional welfare officer at least once a year.
Beneficiaries know they can always talk to the welfare staff in Shaw House or their regional welfare officer – a friendly voice when they are lonely or in need. This one-to-one confidential relationship is very important to their peace of mind.
Special Funding
Money is given to provide for essential needs such as household equipment, and adaptations for those who are disabled.
In 2008, RABI paid out £2.44 million for special items that cannot be met out of regular income, including:
- Beds
- White goods
- Central heating boilers
- Electric scooters
- Stair lifts
- Home adaptations.
Working Farmers
Emergency relief in the form of grants for essential domestic expenses are awarded to working farming families who are suffering financial hardships and problems that are brought about through a disaster in the family, such as bereavement or ill health, or animal disease.
In addition, RABI can pay for temporary help on the farm when a farmer or a member of his immediate family is taken seriously ill or suffers an accident.