TASC Thanks Supporters – see what we have achieved together

Thank you.  Without your support we would not have been able to provide help and support to over 90 members of the ambulance services community (both serving and retired) since our launch in spring 2015.

We would like to share with you just how the money your Give as you Earn/Standing Order donations, collection or fundraising challenge has been used.

Since TASC was launched just over 12 months ago we have seen an increase of 177% in the number of applications we have assessed compared to the previous year.

Every application we receive goes through the same process using TASC Support Criteria to ensure that each application is assessed fairly, independently and of course confidentially.  TASC is proud of its independence and we are passionate about supporting those within the ambulance services community in real need.

We have been working hard to raise the profile of TASC throughout the UK which has been reflected in the geographical spread of the applications assessed in the last 12 months.

Not all of the applications we consider result in or require financial assistance, some need different types of help and support.

For example: –

• 39% of our beneficiaries needed and received specific or specialised information, advice and guidance on a wide range of topics including Welfare Benefits advice,     Information about local support groups and specialist support services.
• 10% of our beneficiaries have been offered one of the places on our rehabilitation programme.  TASC commissioned services via Police Treatment Centres, to provide bespoke residential rehabilitation in their centres in Harrogate and Auchterarder.
• 6% of our beneficiaries have needed someone to talk to, a listening ear to share a problem with, be a sounding board or talk an issue through with someone confidentially who is independent.
• 16% of our beneficiaries have needed and received debt management support.

However, 27% have been awarded a financial grant from TASC.  Applications are assessed on individual need so grants are awarded for a variety of reasons.  Grants have been made to help with beneficiaries who for whatever reason are in difficulties with areas including:

• Disability aids and Adaptations
• Rent/Mortgage payments
• Food
• Clothing
• Debts

So far this year TASC has awarded grants amounting to £22,224.73

Depending on the nature of the application, it may be appropriate to approach other charities or trusts, on behalf of our beneficiary, for additional support.  In the last year 10% of our beneficiaries have benefited from almonising which has raised an additional £11,402.74 to maximise the support provided.

Who Applies to TASC for Help and Support?

•  68% of our beneficiaries are still working within the UK ambulance services
• 32% of our beneficiaries have either retired or left the UK ambulance services on health grounds

•  97% of our beneficiaries are from NHS ambulance services
• 3% of our beneficiaries are from the independent sector

• 40% of our beneficiaries are under 40 years of age
• 45% of our beneficiaries are aged between 40 and 60 years of age
• 15% of our beneficiaries are aged over 60 years of age

• 12% of our beneficiaries work within emergency operations centres
• 20% of our beneficiaries work within ambulance support services (fleet, admin etc)
• 68% of our beneficiaries work within ambulance service crews

Take minute and think – are you working within an NHS ambulance service, aged between 45-60, as part of an ambulance crew –  so are the majority of those beneficiaries we have supported. Someone just like you, who for extraordinary circumstances find themselves in need.   Our hope is that you never need to contact us for help, because that means that all is well with you and your life but if your circumstances change we are there to support you and your family.

On reflection we are pleased that we have been able to provide support to 177% more people than this time last year.  But we also know that there is still so much more to be done.

We hope that those of you who are reading this and support TASC feel confident that your donations are making a real difference.  We also hope that those of you who are reading this and are not supporting TASC yet, very soon will be.  If you would like to become a TASC Supporter please take a look at our Make a Difference page – more information about becoming a TASC Supporter can be found on the page Become a Supporter.