The League of the Helping Hand was founded in 1908 by Miss Edith Ashby after she became aware of the sufferings of those who had to live on practically no money at all. These were people who had been left unprovided for and were unable to earn their own living. In those days, before any proper Welfare System existed, the sufferings of widows and those who had to manage on very small retirement pensions was very real. Miss Ashby, who was a woman of exceptional energy, initiative and determination, was insistent from the very first that all help should be given in the most kindly and friendly way possible. She understood how loneliness played a part in the lives of those who needed help, and also how sensitive people were about receiving financial aid. Providing help with sensitivity and respect was at the core of the League's work as it developed over the decades. Eventually Miss Ashby's health began to fail and by 1940 it was clear that she could no longer continue her work. However she did not rest until she had found a satisfactory successor so that when she died in 1944 it was with the knowledge that she had left an established organisation with committed Trustees to carry on her mission.

Since Miss Ashby's first efforts, the charity has survived and continued to provide assistance throughout two world wars, numerous changes of government and the vagaries of the welfare system. Throughout this time, the Trustees have remained faithful to the original ethos and continue to ensure that personal support and communication remains central to the work of the League. Beneficiaries are spread throughout Britain with circumstances very similar to those of their predecessors. Sadly, Government support continues to be inadequate and benefit cuts have led to a spiralling number of applications for assistance. Through wise investments and grants, the League has achieved a regular income. However because of the uncertain nature of the stock market and the changes regarding charity tax reclaims on dividend income, there is a need to find new ways to increase funds. Administrative costs are kept to an absolute minimum with just one paid employee to manage all the administrative tasks, make regular visits to the beneficiaries, and act as a link to the Trustees. At present the membership list for The League of the Helping Hand is very small. We would like to increase this and intend to do so by word of mouth just as Miss Ashby did all those years ago. Please pass this information on and urge anyone you feel would be sympathetic to the League's work to support it by becoming a member. You can be assured that any money received will go directly to support the people who need it.
Further information and assistance may be obtained from the Secretary
by email  secretary@lhh.org.uk,
by telephone 01273 493551
Or by Post to;

The Secretary
LHH,
PO Box 2548,
Henfield,
West Sussex
BN5 9WS