Here to help - Benevolent Funds 

The challenge faced by these funds, however, is encouraging individuals eligible to access their services, to and ask for help. People either do not know they have a benevolent fund they are eligible to access, or do know about their fund, but have misconceptions about who is eligible to receive support.

While each benevolent fund has their own criteria for eligibility, the general practice is funds will always find a way to help.

When an individual contacts a benevolent fund, a welfare officer will take time to assess their circumstance and determine the kind of help to offer. The information the individual provides is confidential.

There are a variety of ways to get in touch with a benevolent fund, and most have a helpline as well as online contact forms. Most funds are available 24/7 and aim to offer support as quickly as possible.

Many benevolent funds became the lifeline for some during the recession, a time when people were facing redundancy, defaulting on mortgages, and mounting debt.

Benevolent funds cannot provide the invaluable support that they offer without the support of members of the profession they represent. Making donations, organising fundraising events, leaving legacies, volunteering your time, or even simply sharing your stories with others, are just a few examples of how you can support your benevolent fund.

Websites like Turn2Us www.turn2us.org.uk and Association of Charitable Organisations www.aco.uk.net are excellent source of information about benevolent funds and how they can help you. Even if you feel your circumstance is “not bad enough”, your benevolent fund would still like you to get in touch.