President's Welcome

President 2012, Professor Hugh Coakham

For just over 100 years the Grateful Society has been dedicated to supporting the care of the elderly and vulnerable. The elderly population is growing by the year and many need support to enable them to maintain their independence and dignity.

As this year's President of the Grateful Society I am privileged to be able to witness first hand what can be achieved by a small group of committed people. Whilst being responsibly monitored by the Past Presidents, the Society is flexible, forward thinking and above all highly cost efficient.

We continue to support the needy in order to help them remain living at home where they would all much rather be.

We recognise that loneliness is a persistent and widespread problem which we are helping to address in three ways; a befriending and visiting service by our excellent Ladies' Committee, support for Day Care Centres threatened by funding cuts and the introduction of touch screen computers, with tuition, to help the isolated become more connected with the world.

The Society's income is largely derived from the annual Presidential Appeal which therefore depends on your help.

By tradition our Appeal closes on 13 November which is the birthday of Edward Colston in whose memory the Society was founded.

In this difficult year of national austerity, the elderly and vulnerable will rely more than ever on your help.

Professor Hugh Coakham, President 2012

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