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Getting back on track after an accident

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 07:25:56 GMT

Regaining skills and confidence

The Accident

We received a call from Lindsay, one of our members who, sadly, had been out of work for several years. This situation had arisen because of a terrible car accident in which she had sustained life-changing injuries, but even more debilitating, she was also suffering psychological damage due to the trauma of the accident.

The problem

Over time Lindsay had recovered sufficiently to consider a possible return to work. In fact she was required to seek work if she was to continue receiving benefits. Due to her long ‘career break’ and the trauma suffered, however, she felt neither equipped nor sufficiently confident to return to a Marketing role.

Enter CIMBF

At this point, the member reached out to the CIM Benevolent Fund and the Trustees assessed how best the fund could help. The aim was to assist Lindsay in her return to work. It was decided that, with opportunities in Digital Marketing, Lindsay would be greatly helped by attending a CIM Digital Marketing course in order to gain a relevant qualification and to update her marketing knowledge and skills. In addition the fund purchased a new laptop computer for her, not only to help her re-train in this area - staying at the leading edge, but also to be able to apply for jobs online and to create and supply an updated CV using the latest technology.

Results

As a result of the Benevolent Fund’s help, Lindsay was successfully able to re-enter the job market and begin a new career in the Digital Marketing sector.

Journey costs for medical care

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 07:21:53 GMT

Jo was a young mother enjoying a career in marketing

Abrupt end to a promising career

Jo was a young mother enjoying a career in marketing. All this came to an abrupt end when her youngest child was diagnosed with a rare medical condition. Jo was forced to leave her marketing job to care for him.

The high cost of medical help

Using the time at home to undertake her own research, she found medical consultants in the UK who were prepared to look further into the case. Following their investigations, they were hopeful her son’s condition could be improved with a course of specialist medical treatment. However, this could only be provided at a dedicated centre situated in another part of the country. Attending for treatment would involve a return car journey of some 300 miles every two weeks for a period of six months.

Enter CIMBF

With no obvious source of income to cover these costs, Jo approached the CIM Benevolent Fund for assistance.

Results

With the Fund’s help, the journey costs were covered and some months later we were delighted to hear from Jo that the course of treatment had been successful.

Respite care break

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 07:19:32 GMT

John had been the main carer for his disabled wife

The Situation

John, a retired member of CIM, had been the main carer for his disabled wife for many years. The strain of this situation had, unfortunately, led to his own ill health and he felt unable to cope.

The need

Desperately in need of a break, John approached the CIM Benevolent Fund for assistance.

Enter CIMBF

The Trustees visited John and assessed his needs. As a result, the Fund agreed to cover the costs of a respite care break on the coast for both John and his wife - their first real holiday for years.

Results

The respite helped John to recover from the stress and enable him to continue to care for his wife.

Help with maintenance costs

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 07:17:09 GMT

Simon was made redundant from his marketing job and was surviving solely on benefits

Redundancy and money woes

Simon was made redundant from his marketing job and was surviving solely on benefits.

The break down

It was Winter and he had been out of work for some 10 months when his central heating boiler broke down. Coming on top of his redundancy and financial problems, this was the final straw.

Enter CIMBF

Faced with the costs of urgent repairs, no savings to cover the costs, and no possibility of a loan, Simon turned to the Benevolent Fund in desperation.

Results

The CIM Benevolent Fund was able to help Simon with the essential boiler repair costs and at least get his heating working again.

A domestic breakup

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 07:13:48 GMT

Richard, a CIM member, had accumulated a high level of debt following a domestic breakup

The Situation

Richard, a CIM member, had accumulated a high level of debt following a domestic breakup. Hearing about the CIM Benevolent Fund from a colleague, he approached us to see if we could help him recover from his debt problems.

Enter CIMBF

In this case we arranged for Richard to receive the assistance of a Financial Consultant who provided him with specific guidance on how to approach his debt problem.

Results

As a result of this advice, Richard was able to renegotiate successfully with his creditors and manage his way out of the situation he was in.

Sarah was the wife of a retired member

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 07:06:34 GMT

When it rains, it pours...

Domestic distress

Sarah was the wife of a retired member. She approached the CIM Benevolent Fund in some distress because she was having difficulty coping with her domestic situation. Her husband was suffering long term health problems and had been taken into care.

Financial difficulties and storms

Coping on a limited pension income, this created a financial burden for her to deal with. Left to manage the house alone, she was already facing some substantial maintenance costs when further problems hit. Stormy weather and heavy rain had caused flood damage, making their home almost uninhabitable.

Enter CIMBF

In this case the CIM Benevolent Fund was able to assist Sarah by providing a direct contribution towards her essential building maintenance costs and repairs.