Our Legacy The Work Ripples Extend a Hand
Established 1867 • Gloucestershire

Dignity in
Every Season

For over 150 years, The Charity of Elizabeth Dobson has provided a safety net of compassion for the poor and elderly of Gloucestershire—offering not just aid, but the warmth of human dignity.

Extend a Hand Discover Our Work
Registered Charity 203678
Volunteer providing care and companionship to elderly woman in Gloucestershire
150+
Years of continuous service to the community
Our Legacy

A Promise
Kept Since
1867

In the heart of Little Rissington, Elizabeth Dobson envisioned a sanctuary of support for those whom society had overlooked. Her will, drafted in the Victorian era, established a perpetual fund dedicated to the relief of poverty—a radical act of compassion that continues to transform lives today.

Unlike modern institutions, we operate without bureaucracy or barriers. Our trustees—local volunteers who know their community intimately—meet regularly to review applications from elderly residents of Gloucestershire who find themselves in need. There are no lengthy forms, no means-testing humiliations, only dignified assistance delivered with discretion and respect.

"The charity exists not to manage poverty, but to alleviate it with the grace and humanity that every person deserves, regardless of their circumstances."

Today, we continue Elizabeth's mission from The Lodge in Little Rissington, a testament to the enduring power of local action. We provide financial grants for heating, food parcels, essential clothing, and emergency necessities—ensuring that no elderly person in our county faces hardship alone.

Current Trustees

Rev Nina Mary Joyner Summerfield
Pauline Ann Chaplin
Patricia Aldersley
Elizabeth Sweeting
The Work

Three Pillars of Relief

We address immediate needs while preserving the dignity of those we serve, offering support that ranges from emergency grants to ongoing assistance.

Financial assistance being provided with dignity

Financial Grants

Direct monetary assistance for heating bills, medical expenses, and essential household needs. Disbursed quickly and confidentially to those in urgent need.

Delivering essential food and supplies to elderly residents

Necessities

Provision of nutritious food parcels, warm clothing, bedding, and household essentials. Delivered personally by our network of local volunteers.

Community support and companionship for elderly residents

Connection

Beyond material aid, we provide regular welfare visits and companionship, ensuring that isolated elderly residents maintain human connection and dignity.

Operating Throughout Gloucestershire

From the Cotswold hills to the Severn Vale, we serve elderly residents across the entire county. Our reach extends to every parish, ensuring that geographic isolation never means abandonment.

GL
Postcode Areas Served
GL1-GL20 GL50-GL56
Ripples

Impact That Resonates

Every grant we provide creates ripples of stability that extend far beyond the immediate recipient, strengthening families and communities across Gloucestershire.

£50k+
Distributed Annually
200+
Individuals Assisted
4
Dedicated Trustees
0%
Administrative Overhead
"
When my heating failed last winter, I didn't know where to turn. The Elizabeth Dobson Charity responded within days—not with forms and delays, but with immediate help and genuine kindness. They didn't just fix my boiler; they restored my faith in people.
M
Margaret T.
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Reach Out

Extend a Hand

Whether you seek assistance for yourself or someone you care about, or wish to learn more about our work, we welcome your correspondence.

Contact Information

Address
The Lodge, Little Rissington
Cheltenham, GL54 2NA
England
Telephone
+44 1451 821565
Registered Charity

Charity Commission for England and Wales
Registration Number: 203678
The Charity of Elizabeth Dobson for Poor

Send a Message

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 5 working days. For urgent matters, please telephone.