Adversity can strike anyone at any time and it’s not always easy to ask for help, whether it’s a relationship breakdown, mental health issues, redundancy, domestic abuse, or a debilitating illness – these events can turn lives upside down.

The Insurance Charities supports past and present employees in the insurance industry in the UK and Ireland by providing financial and practical support to those who are struggling due to misfortune. It doesn’t matter what role people have had in the industry, and the Charity can also support the dependants of eligible insurance people such as partners and children.

The Charity is independent so applicants don’t need to belong to a membership organisation and working and non-working people can apply.

As an insurance broker, we are proud to support this important charity and encourage you to do the same.

The History of The Insurance Charities

Established in the City of London in 1902 as The Insurance Clerks Orphanage, the charity initially supported widows and orphans. The Insurance Benevolent Fund was established nearly 30 years later to widen the Charity’s reach. Both charities eventually came together almost 100 years later to form what is now known as The Insurance Charities.

Impact of The Insurance Charities

The Insurance Charities’ positive impact has improved the lives of hundreds of people every year.  Supporting insurance employees and their families in times of need, transforming lives for the better and providing an essential lifeline for as long as is required.

In 2022/2023 the charity awarded over £1.3 million to those facing hardship. The Charity could help you with one-off payments to help finance essential items such as property repairs, household appliances, and mobility aids, and can also provide ongoing financial help (including charitable loans) where income is restricted or insufficient to meet day-to-day expenditure.

The Insurance Charity also works with other organisations such as Aware in Ireland, Shelter, and Alzheimer’s Society to provide practical support where needed. Through these fantastic charities, they can help those experiencing mild depression and anxiety, assist those with housing concerns, and those affected by dementia.

Here are some real-life stories of people who have been helped by The Insurance Charities:

Chris suffered ill health and lost his job with no pay. Struggling to make his mortgage repayments and household bills he got in touch. The Charity has since provided ongoing support.

Amy suffered hearing loss as a child which worsened after the birth of her second child. She approached the Charity to help fund a specialist hearing aid that wasn’t available on the NHS.

Sarah was struggling emotionally because of an abusive relationship and financial worries. Since approaching the Charity, she has been able to set up a new home with her children, get her finances back on track and access regular therapy to support her mental wellbeing.

The cost-of-living crisis in the UK and Ireland is having a significant impact on many people, including those in the insurance industry. Rising energy bills, food prices, and other essential costs are making it harder for people to make ends meet.

If you are an insurance employee who is struggling to make ends meet or have a colleague you think needs help, please check to see if you are eligible for support. If you are unsure whether you meet the criteria, please contact the Insurance Charities to discuss your situation – they are here to help.

The Insurance Charities is committed to helping insurance people in need and are proud of the positive impact they’ve had on the lives of so many people.

Ways to get involved

There are many ways to get involved with The Insurance Charities. You can:

• Participate in its annual Insurance Charities Awareness Week 19th-23rd June.
• Volunteer your time to help including the Companion Call initiative delivered by Alzheimer’s Society.
• Spread the word about The Insurance Charities and encourage others to do the same.
• Invite the Charity to speak to your colleagues or local insurance group.

The Insurance Charities website is packed with ideas and ways you can help raise the profile of the Charity whether you are an employer, local insurance network, or individual.

Spreading Awareness

Insurance Charities Awareness Week is an annual event that takes place in June. During this week, industry supporters are encouraged to help raise awareness of The Insurance Charities and the work they do to reach those in need.

This year, the Charity is asking everyone to get involved in spreading awareness of The Insurance Charities. You can do this by:

• Talk to your colleagues about the Charity. It doesn’t need to be formal, perhaps over a cup of tea or at the end of a meeting. In particular ensure your HR, Wellbeing and Mental Health First Aiders are aware of the Charity and support it can provide.
• Sign up for the special online ‘Dementia Friends’ session.
• Retweet and share its social media posts using the hashtag #ICAW.
• Think of those in your professional networks who may be struggling and signpost them to the Charity.
• Send your own posts from your personal social media accounts and company accounts (where possible).
• Share its free resources and content in your team meetings, on your intranet, or in staff wellbeing sessions.

In Summary
The Insurance Charities offers an essential lifeline providing support to individuals in the insurance industry facing adversity. With a rich history and a strong mission, it has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of people each year through financial assistance and welfare support. Their collaboration with other established charities further provides even more support to those facing challenging circumstances.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect so many, the Charity may be needed now more than ever in the coming months It is crucial for insurance employees facing difficulties to know that they can turn to the Charity for help.

Getting involved with The Insurance Charities offers opportunities for individuals to contribute to their meaningful work. Whether it’s participating in Awareness Week, volunteering your time, or spreading the word, every action counts and can bring about positive change.

By supporting The Insurance Charities, we can collectively make a difference and provide a lifeline to those who need it most and ensure no-one in need of support misses out.

Thank you for your support!

Further Reading:

Insurance Charities Website – https://www.theinsurancecharities.org.uk/
Dementia Connect – https://www.theinsurancecharities.org.uk/dementiasupport/