Questions & Answers

Who do we help?

The Trustees seek to help any serving or retired (by age or medically) NHS ambulance personnel or their dependants in times of genuine hardship, poverty or distress. Each claim is treated on its presented merits in a prompt, confidential and sympathetic manner. If we find that you have a need with which we cannot help, we will tell you and if possible inform you of any other organisations that might be able to assist.

What about local Ambulance Service Benevolent Funds?

As Trustees we strive to compliment local Benevolent Funds, not compete with them and on many occasions we work in conjunction with them to finance more expensive items which neither of us could afford separately. Many Services do not have their own Benevolent Funds and look exclusively to us to fulfil this area of staff welfare. The Trustees are currently seeking to ‘network’ at a more local level by finding a volunteer member of staff from each ambulance service to become a liaison contact. If you are interested in fulfilling this role, please make contact with either the President, Chairman of Secretary.

How can I or my Colleagues get help?

All claims must be submitted in writing to the National Secretary stating the exact hardship, a brief history of events, the claimant’s age, length of service, number of dependents etc plus any other supportive information. Normally we would expect the claim to come via a third party and verified as genuine. However, when the situation is of a very personal or very confidential matter we will accept claims directly from personnel. All claims are always treated in the strictest of confidence. You may be asked to complete an application form which will include your income and expenditure and other relevant information to allow the Trustees to decide whether to help and by how much.

How is the Benevolent Fund Financed?

We do not receive any Government, Lottery or business grants and depend entirely on voluntary donations from our ‘Give As You Earn’ scheme and other local fund raising events. The Fund also has the advantage of our Treasurer being a Professional Accountant which cancels the normal expense of financial and investment advice. The Fund is subject to a comprehensive annual audit from the Charity Commissioners and we also present a full financial report at out Annual General Meeting each year to which all are invited to attend.

Can I or my Service help the Benevolent Fund?

YES!! Any donation, however small would be greatly appreciated. This could be from holding an ‘Open Day’, sponsored events, station raffle or by simply joining our G.A.Y.E. scheme. Or apply for one of our Affinity Bank credit cards (sign up on-line today – go to ‘Links’ page and follow instructions).
Accounts

The Funds accounts are examined annually in accordance with the strict guidelines set down by the Charity Commissioners which includes a full audit of account records.
A full financial report is given each year at the Funds AGM, which is held during the AMBEX Conference weekend at Harrogate to which all are welcome to attend or ask questions regarding either the accounts or the work of the Fund.

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Created by Michael W North IT Services. Copyright Ambulance Service Benevolent Fund 2004.
Last updated June 2008