Since we first published this blog on 2023, the economic outlook in the UK and overseas has remained unpredictable with many people still feeling the fall-out from the hike in mortgage rates and the impact of higher fuel bills. Which is why as we head towards the 24th of June it is as important as ever that we help raise the profile of great work done by The Insurance Charities in the run-up to The Insurance Charities Awareness Week so that we can do our bit to make sure that no-one in need misses out on help, if they need it.
We know that 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 2023/2024 the charity awarded over £1.4 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 Charities has partnered with housing and homeless charity Shelter UK to provide support for those with complex housing issues. In addition, the Charity can offer practical support to those with money management and health concerns and signpost individuals to other sources of help where needed.
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 24th– 28th of June.
- Download the Supporters Toolkit
- 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.
- Introduce new people to the great work the Charity does, and secure new supporters to help raise their profile.
- Sign up for the monthly newsletter – https://www.theinsurancecharities.org.uk/
- 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/