A new bursary has been launched by the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust (GWT) – the Sir John Scott Bursary. The £5000 bursary fund will support new research to assist the charity’s work, and the successful recipient will deliver research with a focus on those involved in gamekeeping professions: gamekeepers, stalkers, ghillies.
As the GWT’s Chief Exec Helen Benson explained:
'The gamekeeping professions are more than livelihoods: they are lifestyles. And these lifestyles can have particular challenges. Living and working in isolated circumstances; wellbeing issues related to long and unsocial hours; living in a tied home with little financial resource to arrange a retirement home; and the shift from a career spent working long hours to retirement were all identified in our Raising the Game Survey. We recognise these challenges aren't the sole preserve of gamekeepers, stalkers and ghillies, and the research will be of use to other rural industries. The research having a focus on the gamekeeping professions will enable GWT to address concerns raised by our Survey with confidence'.
Applications are welcomed from people with personal experience of a gamekeeping profession: they could work part-time in one of the professions, or have been employed in one, or have a close family connection to a gamekeeper. Their research interest could be health and wellbeing, social care, isolation, housing, financial issues, or care in later life.
The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust (GWT) provides a variety of services for gamekeepers, stalkers, ghillies and their dependants. Sir John Scott, GWT’s Honorary President, says:
“GWT is currently active in supporting around 600 gamekeepers and their families each year. Research such as this enables us to continue our work, learning about and addressing the key challenges which face our community.”
The application process opened 1 August 2021 and candidates should include a brief CV along with a breakdown of their research proposal, their reasons for this area of study, and the goals they hope to achieve, by 1 October 2021. Candidates must be aged between 22 and 66 years. There is no requirement for academic qualifications, though research experience may be an asset. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the full criteria for eligibility and how to apply at www.thegamekeeperswelfaretrust.com
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