Subud Britain Almoners

The almoners exist to disburse money on behalf of the Subud membership to Subud members who are in financial distress and have nowhere else to turn for help.

The Almoners were formed in the UK in 1960 and are perhaps the longest continuously serving Subud organisation. The group comprises four men and four women supported by a secretary and treasurer, all of whom are helpers (more experienced members). The almoners each serve a four year term with appointments staggered to give continuity of case knowledge. They meet on a regular basis but much of their work, which is usually urgent, is carried out by telephone contact between meetings.

The Subud Britain Almoners, who are a sub-committee of Susila Dharma (Britain), have also acted, since 1973, as the International Almoners on behalf of the World Subud Association to help members from countries that do not have personal aid funds of their own. Following the adoption by the 2005 Subud World Congress of a Resolution to set up a Framework for Care Support, the International Almoners are being transferred to Canada in early 2006 and will be known as the International Assistance Group.

The work of the Subud Britain Almoners is funded by voluntary contributions and occasional fundraising events.

How to apply for help

Members themselves cannot make applications to the almoners for help. It can only be done on their behalf by their group helpers or other recognised dewan of helpers. Requests are treated in strict confidence and the grants given are determined through guidance received in testing. As monetary help is not always appropriate not all requests result in grants being made, so liaison with the helpers involved is an important aspect of the work.

Most grants are single payments to relieve a temporary difficulty, and have been given, for example, to meet emergency medical, nursing, childcare, training and travel expenses. Guidelines (in the Policies/guidelines category) and Forms (Forms category) for helpers applying for help on behalf of members can be downloaded from the links below or from the Document Download page.

How to help

If you are moved to help, please send a donation, earmarked for the Subud Britain Almoners or the International Assistance Group, to the Treasurer of Susila Dharma (Britain) taking advantage, if possible, of the GiftAid scheme.

If you would like to know more about the almoners, or are a helper who would like to serve as one, please contact their secretary at the address below.

Katherine Ahmad,   Secretary to the Almoners, 2 Woodcote Grove Road, Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 2AA. Tel: 020 8668 3643           Email: almoners@subud.org.uk

 

Almoners' documents available for download on this site:

Subud Britain Almoners    Guidelines for helpers groups applying for financial help on behalf of members.

Subud Britain Almoners     Grant Application Form. (Dated November 2005)