Carol, a victim of domestic abuse, consequently separated from her husband who stopped contributing to household bills. She found herself going through divorce proceedings and struggling to meet her mortgage payments and everyday household expenses for herself and her two young children. The Fund is offering her assistance to tide her over until the divorce settlement is finalised.

Another Fund beneficiary tells his story in his own words:

“A progressive medical condition which greatly reduced my mobility forced me to give up my full-time job. My wife became my carer. This left us supporting ourselves and two children on a less than adequate benefits income. The Fund offered us a grant to supplement this as well as grants to my children to help them through university, and the children are doing well at university. I have always been extremely grateful for the help the Fund has given us over the years. My quality of life has been considerably enhanced.”

Another individual the Fund helped recently is Claire. She was married to a CIMA member who died recently after a number of years in residential care. Claire had been just about getting by until faced with his funeral bill, which she could not meet. The Fund helped her with this. Then a few months later, when her gas boiler broke down, the Fund helped her again with the cost of replacing it. Her daughter wrote:-

“I can’t put into words what a comfort CIMA’s kindness and generosity has provided to my Mum in what has been a very difficult time for her….I know that (our father) would be humbled by the kindness and support that CIMA has shown.”

Anne has a disability which means she uses a wheelchair and is unable to work. The Fund made a grant to make adaptations to make her kitchen safe to use. The Fund also suggested Anne apply for additional disability benefits which she is now receiving.

“Thank you so much for telling me about it. It's already making a big difference.”

Following redundancy, Barbara found herself short of funds to meet the basic living expenses of her family. The Fund made her a small interest-free loan to help tide her over until her first salary payment from her new job. Happily, her new role is going well and she has now started to make repayments.

“Many thanks again for the loan. It really helped me starting my new role.”

Emma was the widow of a member living in Spain. When dementia meant that she had to move into residential care, she was unable to cover the cost herself. The Fund made a contribution towards the care home fees. Her daughter wrote

“I would like to say how much I appreciate the contribution CIMA has made over the past years to help towards the residential home bills.”

Nigel’s mental health condition remained undiagnosed until he was in his late forties. Up to that time, he had managed to hold down a job. Then, in a short period of time, he was declared bankrupt, suffered a breakdown and then had to cope with the death of his mother, with whom he had lived all his life. Their home, which his mother had owned and Nigel inherited, had to be sold to discharge his debts. It was at this stage that Nigel came to the CIMA Benevolent Fund, which offered him help with the deposit and advance rental on a new place to live.