The Kingston Trust has expanded its remit to support anyone in the UK and Ireland aged 16 years and over who has an ileostomy or ileo-anal pouch and is experiencing financial hardship. This is a major expansion of the original remit, which had been limited to just those with an ileostomy who were over 50 years old. This development, long at the forefront of trustees’ minds, became possible in 2017, when the Charity Commission granted Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status to the Trust (registration number: 1173190).
Supported expenses
• Bathroom modifications
• Beds and bed linen
• Convalescent breaks
• Cookers
• House maintenance
• Mobility aids
• Tumble dryers
• Washing machines
The Trust
The Kingston Trust was cofounded in 1962 by Leslie Kingston MBE. At the time, he was general secretary of the Ileostomy Association of Great Britain and Ireland, later known as IA or Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association. From inception, IA has helped members share skills and knowledge to assist each other in managing and living with an ileostomy. Before the introduction of stoma care nursing in the early 1970s, there was a considerable need for specialist ostomy care and attention. Recognising that IA could not meet this need alone, Leslie Kingston founded the Trust to provide additional assistance.
The Kingston Trust is run by a secretary and a board of trustees, the majority of whom have a background in healthcare and personal experience of ileostomy and/or ileo‑anal pouch procedures—and one of whom is Leslie Kingston’s daughter. After the deduction of administrative expenses, income is used to provide financial assistance to those with an ileostomy or an ileo-anal pouch in accordance with the Trust’s Constitution. Individual grants form the majority of the support provided by KT. In addition, KT also funds research projects in accordance with the Trust’s Constitution and has collaborated recently with IA to provide financial support for research projects through a partnership with the Bowel Disease Research Foundation (BDRF).
Leslie Kingston MBE
Who we help
People with an ileostomy or ileo-anal pouch (including a Kock pouch) experiencing financial hardship can apply for a grant from the Kingston Trust. Grants may be sought for any purpose, subject to trustee approval. However, grants will not be considered for outstanding debts or items already purchased, except in exceptional circumstances. Applications for building, plumbing or electrical work must be supported by three estimates or quotes from accredited firms. Applicants must be aged 16 years or over and reside in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
How to apply
A grant application form can be downloaded from the Trust’s website or requested from the secretary by telephone, e-mail or post. This must be completed in full, particularly the financial details page. This information on income and expenditure is essential for the trustees to understand the person’s situation and assess their request. Applicants are asked to supply details of a nurse or doctor involved in their care, who is then asked to authenticate their condition by completing a verification form supplied by the secretary. The completed form should then be returned by e-mail or post. All correspondence is co-ordinated by the secretary, with information disseminated to the trustees.
Taking part
The Kingston Trust is proud to expand its support to younger people living with an ileostomy or ileo‑anal pouch. If you believe that you might benefit from financial assistance, do contact the Trust directly. If this applies to anyone you know, please do encourage them to get in touch with the Trust. Also, if you are part of an ostomy support group, it would be greatly appreciated if you could use this opportunity to raise awareness or encourage people to donate to the Trust.
Get in touch
Post: The Kingston Trust CIO
PO Box 6457
Basingstoke RG24 8LG
Telephone: 01256 352320