Railway Benefit Fund
Railway Benefit Fund: The charity that begins at work
This year the Railway Benefit Fund is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Dedicated to helping active and retired railway workers and their families, Review finds out more about the only charity in the UK that’s ‘looking after our own’.
Some of the closest friendships we make are at work. It’s not surprising really - working together, day after day, sharing the same memories and experiences means we form strong bonds with our co-workers, which are hard to recreate elsewhere.
This is especially true of the railways; with so many of us devoting a large chunk of our working life to the industry, colleagues can often become like extended members of our family, providing emotional, social and financial support. The friendships we make regularly outlast our jobs and many of us remain in contact with former colleagues well into retirement.
Recognising the support we give each other is invaluable, the Railway Benefit Fund (RBF), a charity set up by railway workers for railway workers, was established in 1858 to do just that.
With a strap line of ‘looking after our own’ the RBF works to ensure the members of our ‘railway family’ are not forgotten in times of adversity, even when they no longer work for the industry.
It is the only charity in the UK dedicated to helping active and retired railway workers and their families. Aiming to provide support for people throughout the rail industry at every stage of their lives, the range of assistance the charity provides literally stretches from the cradle to the grave – from funding a life changing trip to America for a signalman’s severely autistic five year old son to providing a motorized scooter to help disabled 84 year old Edna Wenham regain her freedom.
Last year the charity helped over 700 people in need, providing grants in the region of £500,000 for a huge range of necessities, including educational costs for dependent children, emergency payments in times of financial distress or domestic crisis, mobility aids and help with funeral costs.
This year the charity celebrates its 150th anniversary and is hosting a range of events to mark the occasion and raise much-needed funds.
The celebrations kicked off with a golf tournament in May, where players competed for the RBF Challenge Trophy. Through other events, including a special trip on a steam train, a family fun day and a dinner in London, the charity is aiming to build awareness of the work it does within the railway community.
How to get involved
There are lots of ways that you can help. Find out more about the RBF’s 150th anniversary celebrations at http://www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk. Why not become an RBF friend or volunteer? The RBF is always looking for volunteers, so if you are interested in giving something back or organizing a fund raising event contact us now.
Alternatively you can make a donation to the charity; even a small weekly donation can change lives. To find out more call: 01270 251316.
Do you know someone who might benefit from RBF support? If so please contact us now on: 01270 251316 or email: director@railwaybenefitfund.org.uk.