Homeless people, children with disabilities and people living in severe poverty are amongst those who could benefit from grants to be provided by the St John Southworth Fund, a new grants scheme established by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster.

The St John Southworth Fund has been set up by the Diocese of Westminster's Department of Pastoral Affairs to streamline the awarding of grants from a large number of stand-alone legacies and trusts.

The fund will have around £150,000 a year available to support the work of parishes, organisations or individuals across a range of issues including poverty, old age and infirmity, homelessness and children with disabilities or who are in danger of deprivation.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, will preside at the official launch of the Fund on Thursday 13 December.

The majority of grants will provide help to the poor and needy in the 33 London boroughs, a catchment area which includes parts of the Dioceses of Southwark, Brentwood and Westminster.

There is also specific provision for supporting general charitable activities to organisations, parishes or individuals within the boroughs of Hackney, Haringey, Tower Hamlets and Islington.

Bishop Bernard Longley, Head of the Department of Pastoral Affairs, said: "The Catholic community already works through a wide range of organisations to help the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in London.

"The setting up of The St John Southworth Fund means that we will be able to respond flexibly and speedily to provide further funding to organisations which help homeless people, those who are deprived and children. Grants will also be available to help individuals in need."

An awards panel will meet once a quarter to consider applications.