Much of the practical help we provide and the funds we raise are focussed on providing health and welfare support and assistance.

Our Welfare officer is responsible for allocating financial resources where most needed and, with other members of the charity, deciding where to spend the money we raise through our fundraising. Most is allocated to local needs, although our charity does also support national initiatives and international disaster relief funds from time to time.

If you, or someone you know, is in need of financial assistance in our area, please contact our Welfare officer using the button below or call 03458 336759 to start a confidential conversation about that need. It would be most helpful for us to learn why the financial support is need ed and how it will benefit the recipient – a decision can then be made by the Club, and we can act quickly in emergencies!

At some stage we may ask for feedback on the impact of the donation, and for consent to ‘tell the story’ In the public domain – although we will never disclose personal details and it will always be subject to the recipient’s permission.

Click here to see testimonials about our work

For non-financial help, please see the Community Service section on this page.

Our club has a major initiative supporting young people.

We recognise achievement

Young Leaders in Service – a global Lions scheme that recognises the hours of service that young people have given within their community. Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates are awarded. (‘Service’ can include for example caring for those in need, caring for the environment, mentoring others).

The certificates recognise achievement and provide input to their CVs,

During our launch year of 2024, 30 young people took part from St Lawrence CoE School, , Siddington Primary School, and Quenington Guides. More schools and clubs plan to support his initiative and involve their young people in 2025.

Young Ambassador scheme – a global Lions scheme to recognise the outstanding achievements of young persons aged 16-18. Benefits to the recipient are a sense of self-worth and to add to CV for job and further education applications. Now open for Applications and nominations. go to youth@lechladelions.org.uk

ROAR – a global Lions scheme run through primary schools to encourage pupils aged up to 11 to work in teams to ‘think out of the box’ about how to make the world a better. Some amazing contributions from local schools in 2024, and with more schools signed up for 2025.

We provide opportunities

Mock interviews – Lions volunteers with years of experience in business, industry and the uniformed services conduct mock interviews in secondary schools which help young people prepare for their first job or further education interview.

Open Water Swim – our major summer fundraiser – a 3k race and various have-a-go and challenge events. Won for the llast three years by local people under 18 - A boy and two girls - photos

Bob Cook Games - We join other clubs providing support for summer games event for young people with disabilities and learning difficulties.

We give support

Charity Auction in aid of Gloucester Young Carers on 7th Feb 2025 to provide funding for young people caring for their family members and needing help with their lives.

Money for individuals and schools/clubs/societies – through the generosity of our local community we raise total of about £25,000- £30,000 per year which is all given to local good causes - and some of this is set aside for youth. Those we give money to include

Schools (e.g. equipment, books etc),

Clubs (e.g. Guides equipment) , and

Individuals with specific needs.

If you know of a club, school or individual that needs funds - apply to youth@lechladelions.org.uk. We ask in return for testimonials we can use in our publicity and/or that the Lions can use the recipient’s noticeboards, newsletters and FB posts to recognise our support.

The Lions take action on community service where it matters.

Lions’ activities have included organising litter picking along the Thames; cutting back the hedges and clearing footpaths in sheltered housing locations; helping medical professionals organise vaccination programmes. Using our minibus for organised shopping and social events for those who can't get out and about.

If you need more information, contact our Community officer on email by clicking below or calling 03458 336759 in confidence.