About Us

Joy Home October 2010

India Direct is a small UK charity based in Cheshire, run entirely by volunteers who have a heart for the poor and have donated time and skills to achieve something real and lasting for India’s poorest people – the Outcastes and Untouchables (Dalits). We have a team of 7 Trustees and a small band of helpers.

At present our principal activity is the running of 2 Children’s Homes for 165 destitute children; Bethel Children’s Home is in the suburbs of Chennai, and Joy Children’s Home (for victims of the 2004 Tsunami) is located some 300 miles South in a small fishing village. Our aim is to give them a proper childhood in a happy family-style environment, enabling them to overcome poverty and to achieve a financially independent future. We also provide support to families in the local community through the Widows’ Care Program.

Bethel Children's Home

We work in partnership with the ‘Love and Care Charitable Trust’ of South India, comprising 3 Indian Trustees, Annie, Pastor Martin and Omega (also volunteers), who work tirelessly to run the projects in India. They understand the local needs, culture and bureaucracy. Their input is vital to ensure that our projects and work are effective, properly managed and fully accountable.

Omega, one of our Indian partners, giving a child a Christmas gift

All money donated to us goes directly to the point of need in India, as directed by our Indian partners. Regular visits are made to India by UK Trustees, who fund the trips out of their own pockets. During visits, we check that our 2 homes are being run well, properly maintained and the children are educated, healthy and well-cared for. We also look at opportunities for new projects and support our Indian partners in these. Our Indian partners also visit the UK to meet with us and promote the charity. This ensures accountability and good working relationships.

Annie, one of our Indian partners, giving out new school uniforms to our children

We receive no funding from either UK or Indian Government sources. We do not pay salaries or expenses in the UK beyond postage and stationery costs etc, which are claimed from Gift Aid, thus ensuring that 100% of your giving goes directly to overcome suffering and poverty in India.