NEEDING HELP YOURSELF?
It is difficult to ask for help. The Trustees of the Benevolent Fund understand that. It is easy to feel embarrassed, worried, ashamed even, and alone but there is no need to. A lot of people suffer misfortune of some kind; unemployment, sickness, lack of income from their own business, decisions that have gone wrong, sudden unforeseen expenses. You are not alone.
Every Catenian, when he enrols, promises “never to fail to aid a brother in difficulty or need”. That happens in many small ways in our Circles and includes help to the families of brothers, including deceased brothers. You could say that the Benevolent Fund is the business end of that concern, getting involved when financial assistance is needed.
The Trustees are there and willing to help. They will not make judgements about how you came to apply for help.
Who can the Fund Help?
- Members of the Catenian Association and their dependants
- Widows and other dependants of deceased Catenians
- Widows and dependants of former Catenians now deceased
How can the Fund Help?
The Fund helps by providing grants and loans. When no prospect is seen of someone being able to repay a loan in their lifetime or from their Estate, a grant is offered, otherwise a loan is offered.
Loans are interest free and no enforceable repayment schedule is set. They are reviewed at intervals but no pressure is ever exerted to repay. It is recognised that many loans may be for life.
What is the Process?
There is a simple application form to help explain your circumstances, and a short financial statement. Normally a member of the local Circle Benevolent Board (CBB) will help you to complete these, though in some cases the local Director may do so. The application will go to the next Trustees’ meeting. If help is needed more quickly, there is an emergency process that can give short term help.
Wrapped around the process is complete confidentiality. Members of CBBs, Directors and Trustees will not disclose any information to anyone else. Great care is taken to protect your data.
What to do next?
Act quickly. Do not put it off. The longer that you delay the worse your financial difficulties can become and the increasing stress of dealing with them over a long period can affect your health.
First, try to speak to a member of your local Circle Benevolent Board. The Circle Council should publish who the Chairman is. If it has not, ask the Circle Secretary, or approach someone you can confide in to ask him.
If that fails, contact the Director of your local Province and he should be able to help you or put you in touch with someone locally.
If all else fails, contact the Clerk to the Trustees:
Phil Roberts
–from UK 01257 462344
– from Overseas 0044 257 462344
or
email phil@robertsreal.com
What is 'Need'?
Find out what is meant by “need” as set out in the Legal Document relating to the Fund.
