The Game Fair has announced the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust as its official charity for 2027, supporting the people and families whose work lies at the heart of the British countryside.
The Trust provides practical, financial and emotional support to gamekeepers, stalkers, ghillies and their families across the UK. Its work reaches across generations, from young people beginning their careers to those who have spent a lifetime working in our woods, on our moorlands and along our rivers.
For an event that brings the countryside community together, the partnership is an opportunity to highlight the support available to those who help care for the landscapes and sporting traditions The Game Fair celebrates.
Through Jamie’s Helpline, the Trust offers a confidential listening ear for anyone facing worries about their health, relationships, employment or future. Alongside this, it provides financial grants during hardship, housing and employment guidance, and educational grants for young people entering the profession.
Its Health and Wellbeing Hub gives access to nursing support, while training programmes such as STAG help people develop communication skills, resilience and ways to manage the challenges of rural working life.
The charity also recognises that gamekeeping is often a way of life for the whole household. Its annual awards celebrate the contribution of partners, family members and young people who support those working in gamekeeping roles.
Among those recognised is Zeph from Hampshire, who received a GWT Young Gamekeeper Award in 2025 at just eight years old.
Helen MJ Benson, the Trust’s CEO, said: “It was clear from the nomination we received that Zeph has a genuine calling rather than a passing interest. His daily life revolves around the countryside, shooting and conservation, and aspects of this find their way into his school work. We were delighted to recognise his hard work and passion with a GWT Young Gamekeeper Award.”
As The Game Fair looks ahead to 2027, we are proud to support a charity dedicated to ensuring that those who give so much to the countryside have somewhere to turn when they need help.
You can donate to the charity when you purchase tickets for The Game Fair 2027. To learn more about the Trust’s work or support the charity, visit thegamekeeperswelfaretrust.com.
Picture: Zeph from Hampshire, aged eight when he received a GWT Young Gamekeeper Award in 2025. Photograph: Drew Delany.
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