RBF–THE RAILWAY’S CHARITY

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may/junel 2024 :: RMTnews 26 Since I retired in 2021, I have become a trustee of the Railway Benefit Fund. It is a charity that supports past and present rail workers which first came to my attention when I was full time officer. It is not as widely known but there are a small band of rail workers supporting its activities. People like Ronnie Hardman from Liverpool a long time RMT member and RBF supporter who recently was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award by the charity for his work in helping his fellow rail workers. Today rail workers are struggling. Unions are supporting members by fighting to protect jobs pay and conditions but they cannot do everything. Members face increasing hardship because of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, with trends showing younger people are most affected, needing help with debt support and feeding themselves or their families.  The RBF has been around since 1858 and has been providing a lifeline and support to current, former and retired workers and their dependants ever since. Thanks to the generosity of the supporters, the charity is able to provide support through life’s unexpected events by offering everything from financial grants and confidential advice to online tools and a legal helpline. I have seen its work at first hand, the range and breath of rail workers who have sought help surprised me and no doubt would surprise you. But help they got which is what matters. The charity’s latest Annual Impact Report revealed that every four minutes someone in rail reached out to RBF. Other findings revealed earlier this year included: • Over 500 applications were received in 2023 resulting in more than 1,000 railway people receiving direct financial support and many more receiving advice and signposting. RBF awarded £374,000 of grants in 2023. • One in four of all cases were people who faced losing their homes. • Over 65% of grants awarded were to current railway workers with nearly 70% of applications being under the age of 50 The charity relies solely on the generosity of the railway industry and those who donate time and money to look after fellow rail workers. Fundraising income required to run the charity increases year on year due to the rise in demand, for 2022 over £450,000 was raised through corporate support and continued growth in community fundraising, with particularly successful fundraisers.  My hope is that we can help more rail workers access the charity’s services but equally that more rail workers support its work and fundraising activities. If you wish to get help or support the charity please visit. www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk for more details or contact info@railwaybenefitfund.org.uk – you can access the charity for help, sign up to volunteer or make a much-needed donation. R MT Midlands regional council met recently to unveil a specially commissioned artwork celebrating the life of RMT general secretary Bob Crow who sadly passed away ten years ago. Former RMT general secretary Mick Cash and retired regional organiser Ken Usher unveiled the artwork on behalf of the union. Almost a year ago the regional council commissioned Rob Baker a local artist based by RMT’s office in Jewellery Quarter to create this piece of artwork. Rob Baker has a strong union background and he fulfilled the brief to create a piece of art work that reflected Bob’s life and will inspire future generations of trade union artists. Former RMT general secretary Mick Cash joins board of the rail charity the Railway Benevolent Found (RBF) ARTWORK FOR BOB UNVEILED RBF–THE RAILWAY’S CHARITY