The Coal Trade Benevolent Association is a national grant-making charity, in place to provide support and assistance to former members of the of the industry that find themselves in financial difficulties, and struggling to provide for their basic needs on low incomes. Assistance to our beneficiaries is carried on through a nationwide network of voluntary case visitors, that are supported by their local Association branches. It is the task of local branches to identify, approach and maintain contact with beneficiaries for as long as need is required. The CTBA has been providing this support since 1888. Support today is given for a combination of necessities, whether as a one-off capital sum to help pay for adaptations to your home or essential repairs; or for assistance with mobility aids and vehicles, or even through a small regular weekly amount as a contribution towards utilities bills and paying for other essential items. The Association can only carry out this work through the fantastic work of its volunteers, scattered all over the country and through its branch network; who make sure that we visit our beneficiaries several times a year to assess their current needs and recommend the assistance required to the National Office.