Footwear Friends was established 185 years ago to provide help to individuals working in all areas of the footwear trade from manufacturing and retailing to design and repair. Financial grants are made to people in distress who have exhausted other sources of assistance and cover help in many areas from providing domestic appliances and disability equipment to essential property repairs. We also have 130 individuals who receive grants at mid-year and Christmas every year to help with everyday living expenses. Applications, which can be made through our website, are often referred to us by organisations with detailed knowledge of the individuals concerned and must be verified through independent sources.