HELPING RAILWAY PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: october 2015 :: RMTnews 20 The Railway Benevolent Fund (RBF) exists to help current and former railway workers and their families in times of need. Help has traditionally been cash grants for items ranging from fridges and funerals to stair lifts and essential debt such as housing, mortgages and rent etc. The mission statement states that the ‘RBF aims to improve the quality of life for current and former railway people in the UK through the provision of customised support’. The charity offers services to current and former railway workers and their families who face financial difficulties through illness, injury, bereavement and adversity. Now over 150 years old the RBF has been through a modernisation programme to bring its services in line with current need. The good news is the services are being used, but RBF believes there is still unmet need. RBF’s new advisory services, which were introduced nationwide last month following four months of trials in SWT and Merseyrail, have been used every working day since trials began in June. The new services offer information, advice and support on a wide range of topics including benefits, debt, employment, housing, relationships and wellbeing. This sits along the side of the traditional grant giving. New partnerships have been formed with Manchester’s Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and national charity Turn2Us for specialist advice. The result of the changes – the biggest in decades according to chairman Tim Shoveller – is that people are being encouraged successfully to seek advice before their personal situation becomes critical. Callers to RBF in need of specialist advice may be referred to CAB. RBF is also using the Turn2Us benefits calculator, which can be found on their website www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk . It helps people check on line their welfare entitlement if they are, for example, unemployed, retired, ill, disabled or caring for someone. “The overall idea is to offer assistance in a wider variety of forms that can be specifically tailored to an individual’s situation. “In times of need and hardship it is difficult to look at your own situation clearly. Having someone objective to talk to helps focus on the issues and makes sure things are dealt with properly. “The trials demonstrated clearly that these new services do indeed have a positive effect on a person’s situation. They are relevant and effective and completely justify the work we have done so far. “RBF is aiming to become the preferred destination for current and former railway workers looking for support and advice. A one-stop-shop where those in need can call up and either receive direct assistance or be referred to a partnering organisation that may be more specialised in certain areas,” Tim said. Tim explained that the RBF’s own offices and its telephone helpline should be the first point of contact for any supported needed ranging from welfare to caring for elderly parents. Information and advice will come initially from the charity, which can assist with benefit calculations, grants search and general advice. Simmy Akhtar, RBF’s services manager, added that analysis of the type of information requested demonstrated clearly that there is need within the current generation of railway workers. “There is a common misconception that RBF is there for only retired people. “That’s never been true and the increasing demand from active workers proves it. “The modernisation of RBF is becoming established and we have made good progress during 2015 and I thank all those who have backed us with funds and practical support. Long may that continue - we can only help others if the industry helps us,” she said. The charity offers financial backing, practical help and wide ranging advice all in the strictest confidence. The RBF relies on YOUR support to help fellow colleagues and their families in time of need. In the future that person could be you! You can help by donating a set amount each week from your salary (minimum £1 per week), fundraising or making a one off donation. Ronnie Hardman (top), a station retailer at Merseyrail Electrics for 38 years, became HELPING RAILWAY PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY The Railway Benevolent Fund offers free advice and financial support for current and former railway people in times of need Ronnie Hardman