The Drinks Trust to offer one-off financial grants

The trust, which was formerly known as The Benevolent, is welcoming applications for financial support from individuals who have been affected by the spread of Coronavirus. The initial deadline for applications has been extended and it it says it will cap them at 10,000.

"Many of us in the drinks industry may be able to carry on in our existing roles through access to the Government-funded salary grant but many others will be left in severe financial difficulties," it said in a statement.

Established in 1886, The Drinks Trust provides vocational, practical, emotional and financial support to those currently working, or who have worked, in the UK drinks sector. It will pay qualifying individuals a one-off grant of £250 directly into their bank account.

The Drinks Trust says it has seen a "significant increase" in the number of individuals from the drinks industry getting in touch regarding mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as sleep and insomnia issues, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and the enforced lockdown.

While it will look to prioritise individuals with health conditions and those caring for dependents, The Drinks Trust Covid-19 Relief Fund aims to help anyone who has been made redundant, subsequently not reinstated, and therefore ineligible for the Government's salary grant scheme.

To make a donation to The Drink Trust's Covid-19 Relief Fund visit its website​​