REPRESENTATIVES from health and social services and the voluntary and community sector met at the Bishop's Palace in Hereford to learn how local people in their care can receive help from the Elizabeth Finn Trust.

Typical of the people the Trust helps are those who struggle to live on low incomes, means-tested benefits or small occupational pensions.

Many of them also have to cope with the unexpected burden of redundancy, disability, divorce, long-term illness, household emergencies or raising children on their own.

People affected unexpectedly by these circumstances come from occupational groups, including teachers, nurses, farmers, accountants, solicitors and clergy.

The Trust helps 14 people in Herefordshire, but is convinced that there are many more people whose distress could be eased if only they knew about it.

Helen Ambrey, who represents the Trust regionally, says: "Professionals from health and social services and the voluntary and community sector are often the first point of contact for people who need help.

"Informing them of the support we give means they can spread the word about the help available and encourage applications to the Trust."

Among the attending organisations keen to strengthen links with the Elizabeth Finn Trust were representatives from Hereford Social Services, Hereford Wye Valley Rotary Club, Age Concern Hereford and Leominster, Herefordshire Lifestyles, MS Society, Cancer Research Campaign, Victim Support Herefordshire, Hereford Stroke Club and the National Asthma Campaign.

The Elizabeth Finn Trust encourages applications for help. More information can be obtained by contacting the Trust on Freephone 0800 413 220 or by going to the Trust's website www.elizabethfinntrust.org.uk

Elizabeth Finn was one of the remarkable breed of 19th century social campaigners in the mould of Florence Nightingale, Elizabeth Fry and Josephine Butler. In 1897, at the age of 72, the diplomat's widow founded the Trust as the Distressed Gentlefolks' Aid Association (DGAA).