The application form for assistance on the Civil Service Benevolent Fund website was downloaded more than 10,000 times in 2010 – but we want to make it even easier for people to contact their in-house charity. So, we’re giving a helping hand to anyone looking to apply for help.

Our new Apply for Help webpage contains a link to download the current form, with some brief guidance on what is needed. Plus, for those unable to download or print out the form from a PC, there is a simple starter form which will enable us to post the application form to them.

Judith Smith, Director of Help and Advisory Services, explains why the changes have been made.

"While the number of downloads of the form rose by 46% last year, the numbers of forms being returned to us last year fell.

"The question was, why are people downloading the form and not returning it? Were they put off by the form? Did they find it too intrusive? Did they feel that they would not be eligible? At the moment we're not sure but we're determined to get to the bottom of it.

"We still expect the majority of people to continue downloading the form, but hopefully by giving them some idea of what to expect, it should not prove as daunting to them as it might have been.

"And giving the option for people to ask for a form to be sent through the post should mean everyone has access to our services, should they need us."

And of course, anyone wanting to talk to a member of our Help and Advisory team – in confidence – can use our Freephone: 0800 056 2424.

Civil Service Benevolent Fund, Help, Wellbeing

Last updated 480 days ago by Jamie Hill