Since we first published this blog in 2023, economic challenges continue to impact people across the UK and Ireland, with many still feeling the effects of rising living costs and financial uncertainty. As we approach 23-27 June 2025, it’s more important than ever that we help raise the profile of the vital work done by The Insurance Charity in the run-up to The Insurance Charity Awareness Week (#ICAW), ensuring no one in need misses out on the support available to them.
We know that adversity can strike anyone anytime, and asking for help is not always easy. Whether it’s a relationship breakdown, mental health issues, redundancy, domestic abuse, or a debilitating illness, these events can turn lives upside down overnight.
The Insurance Charity supports current and former employees in the insurance industry across the UK and Ireland by providing financial and practical support to those struggling due to misfortune. It doesn’t matter what role people have had in the industry, from underwriting and broking to IT, marketing, or HR, and the Charity can also support the dependents of eligible insurance professionals, including partners and children.
The Charity operates independently, so applicants don’t need to belong to any membership organisation. Both working and non-working people can apply for support.
As an insurance broker, we proudly support The Insurance Charity and encourage you to do the same.
The History of The Insurance Charity & What’s New
Established in the City of London in 1902 as The Insurance Clerks Orphanage, the charity initially supported widows and orphans. Nearly 30 years later, the Insurance Benevolent Fund was established to widen the Charity’s reach. Both charities eventually came together almost 100 years later to form what was known as The Insurance Charities.
In February 2025, the organisation rolled out a new brand identity, including a slight change to its working name. It is now known simply as The Insurance Charity, reflecting its evolution and continued commitment to supporting the insurance community. This coincided with the announcement that Annali-Joy Thornicroft was retiring, and Helen Sanson would take up the role from March onwards.
Impact of The Insurance Charity
The Insurance Charity’s positive impact continues to transform lives, supporting hundreds of insurance professionals and their families annually. In 2024/2025, the charity awarded over £1.3 million (€1.52 million) to those facing hardship across the UK and Ireland.
The Charity provides both one-off and regular financial support, including charitable loans, helping with:
- Property adaptations and repairs
- Day-to-day essential costs
- Mobility aids
- Furniture and household appliances
- Funeral expenses
Beyond financial assistance, The Insurance Charity offers practical guidance and can signpost individuals to other sources of specialist help where needed. Their partnership with established support organisations ensures comprehensive assistance for those facing complex challenges.
The ongoing cost-of-living pressures in the UK and Ireland significantly impact many people, including those within the insurance industry. Rising energy bills, housing costs, and essential living expenses make it increasingly difficult for people to manage financially.
People don’t need to be in crisis to contact The Insurance Charity. They can provide support and guidance in many ways before situations become critical.
Eligibility – Who Can Apply?
If you work or have worked in insurance and are experiencing misfortune and financial hardship, The Insurance Charity may be able to help, regardless of your role and length of service.
This includes people who have worked in:
- Insurance-specific roles such as underwriting, broking, claims, providing customer advice in contact centres, or loss adjusting
- Non-insurance specific roles within the profession, such as marketing, IT, or HR
The Charity supports people at every career stage – from those just starting out to industry veterans, retired professionals, and those who have left the sector. Current or former insurance employees’ dependents (partners or children) can also receive support.
What’s particularly reassuring for employers and employees is that there are no barriers or complications when accessing support. Employers don’t need to pay anything or sign up to formal agreements to become supporters, and they’re not involved in the application process at all, meaning complete confidentiality for anyone seeking help. The Insurance Charity works as a trusted partner alongside employers, complementing existing support structures rather than replacing them, creating an additional safety net that benefits everyone in the insurance community.
Ways To Get Involved
Insurance Charity Awareness Week is an annual campaign designed to raise the Charity’s profile across the UK and Irish insurance industry. This year’s campaign provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the charity’s new brand identity to the insurance community.
This year, the Charity is asking everyone to:
- Encourage anyone experiencing financial hardship to understand if they’re eligible for support and feel confident to get in touch
- Share information, especially with those working in HR, Wellbeing, CSR, and line management roles
- Introduce new people to the Charity’s work and secure new supporters to help expand their reach
- Use the #ICAW hashtag across all social media posts during the campaign
- Think of colleagues in your professional networks who may benefit from support
Remember: Reaching everyone who works (or has worked) in the insurance industry is no small task. The Charity relies on supporters like us each year to help spread the word and ensure people know help is available.
What Next?
The Insurance Charity provides an essential lifeline, offering financial and practical support to insurance industry individuals facing adversity. With over 120 years of history and a clear mission, it continues to positively impact hundreds of lives each year.
As economic pressures persist, The Insurance Charity’s services may be needed more than ever. It’s crucial for insurance professionals facing difficulties to know they can turn to the Charity for confidential support, and equally crucial for the rest of us to ensure this message reaches those who need it.
Whether you participate in Awareness Week, share information with colleagues, or follow their social media channels, every action helps raise awareness and can make a real difference to someone’s life.
By supporting The Insurance Charity, we collectively demonstrate that our industry truly cares, ensuring no one faces challenging circumstances alone.
Thank you for your continued support of this important industry charity.
For more information about supporting The Insurance Charity Awareness Week, download the comprehensive Supporter Toolkit from their website – theinsurancecharity.org.uk