A Legacy of Compassion and Support

In the Ancient Parish of Handsworth 19th century, and before, many people left money to the Church for the relief of poverty. This money was invested and the income from it used to help local needy people. It was administered by a number of small Charities in the Ancient Parish – an area that now covers Handsworth, Kingstanding and parts of Lozells and Ladywood. The Charity is a Residuary Charity administering previous donations.

In the 20th century the City of Birmingham, as successor to the old Borough of Handsworth, took on the task of making appointments to a newly amalgamated body of Trustees.

St Mary’s Church, Handsworth – which was the centre of the Ancient Parish – also sends its Rector and Churchwardens to be Trustees.

Over time the separate Charities have been merged into one. In 2006 the remaining separate Charity – the William Stephenson – was merged with all the others to form the Handsworth Charity that we have now.

Today’s Trustees are a mixture of individuals that are residents of the Ancient Parish of Handsworth that are active citizens in tackling the local social issues, St Mary’s Church Rector and two of the Church Wardens, and two nominated Birmingham City Council representatives. Like their predecessors, Trustees can only spend each year the income from the investments. The principal is protected for future generations of eligible people who may be in need.

The Charity exists to provide small grants for people who live in the Ancient Parish of Handsworth to alleviate short-term difficulties relating to the symptoms of poverty and social disadvantage.  Handsworth Charity is a small trust and is run by a small secretariat consisting of a Secretary to Trustees that works one day a week.