Though inflation may be slowly falling, the cost-of-living crisis hasn’t gone away. Railway Benefit Fund (RBF) tells us how it’s helping out this holiday season.
The price of basic goods, fuel, and energy are still gnawing away at household finances and, with rising rents and mortgage payments, workers continue to struggle.
With Christmas racing towards us, greater numbers will feel the pinch. Thankfully, the Railway Benefit Fund (RBF) is committed to supporting current, retired, and former railway employees in financial distress.
Formed in 1858, the charity offers practical help and wide-ranging advice, as well as financial grants to help those facing hardship. Their grants are non-repayable and can help towards a range of everyday expenses including rent, mortgage arrears, energy bills, and more. RBF adopts a holistic system of support and all applicants are offered a check of their benefit entitlements and government support, along with referrals and signposting to other services that can help. Some of these services are funded through RBF and others are provided externally.
In the festive season, RBF is running a number of initiatives to raise funds for those most in need. All money raised will go directly towards supporting railway people and their families this Christmas and into the New Year.
Light up a child’s Christmas
With the holiday season approaching, Railway Benefit Fund (RBF) has launched its ‘Light Up a Child’s Christmas’ fundraising initiative to bring joy to the children of railway families facing financial hardship.
By dedicating a virtual light or bauble on RBF’s Christmas tree, individuals can contribute to this special cause. From as little as £5, you can help light up a child’s smile on Christmas day.
This year, RBF aims to provide £50 gift vouchers to 300 children.
With a total cost of £15,000, the charity is reaching out to the railway community for support.
“Your generosity has allowed us to make a real difference in the lives of railway people and their families throughout the year,” says Jo Kaye, CEO at RBF. “This Christmas, we want to ensure that children from these families can still experience the season’s joy.”
Every donation, no matter how small or big, will make a huge difference.
Light Up a Child’s Christmas today!
https://visufund.com/railwaybenefitfund-light-up-a-childs-christmas-2024
Christmas shop now open
RBF is also excited to announce the opening of its Christmas shop. The shop features a delightful selection of rail-themed items, including three Christmas card designs and a limited-edition commemorative calendar celebrating 200 years of rail. All sales from the Christmas Shop will go directly towards supporting railway workers and their families across the UK.
The RBF Calendar, kindly sponsored by TES 2000, features stunning rail photos, including The Royal Scot, Sir Nigel Gresley and Andania.
The Christmas Shop selection includes:
- Christmas essentials such as wrapping paper, gift bags, and labels.
- A range of cards for you to personalise and send to your friends and family.
- Gift vouchers for the child of a railway worker whose family has had a challenging year.
Be one of the first to shop at RBF’s Christmas Collection: www.charitycardshop.com/RBF
Donate today
Donations of any amount are welcome. You can donate when placing a Christmas order or contact RBF directly for corporate or individual donations.
If you would like to donate to support the railway family this Christmas, please visit:
www.justgiving.com/campaign/rbfchristmas2024
Your support will make a significant impact, no matter how big or small.
“As we reflect on another challenging year, it’s important to remember that Christmas can be a difficult time for many, especially those facing financial hardship,” says Jo. “Therefore, every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Let’s come together and support our railway family.”
Check in and chat
As well as financial hardship, another thing that comes into focus at this time of year is loneliness. One of RBF’s services is ‘Check in and Chat’, a befriending service for people who’ve worked in the rail industry.
Check in and Chat matches up volunteers with people who would benefit from regular contact and encourages them to arrange regular phone calls between themselves. In the winter months, when it gets dark outside early and the weather is bad, retired people can find that their usual activities become more difficult. Check in and Chat gives them a chance to talk to someone from the railway with similar experiences to their own.
To register your interest in becoming a Check in and Chat volunteer, email [email protected] or call 03452 412 885.
Get in touch
If you are facing financial distress, or any life event made more difficult by your finances, RBF can help. Its monetary grants and access to expert advice can help you overcome tough situations which may impact your financial, family, mental and physical well-being. The team can be contacted by phone or email and online at www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk/contact-us.
Conversely, if you’d like to help make a difference to people’s lives, then contact the team. RBF would not be able to support its beneficiaries in the railway industry without the aid of generous donors and fundraisers. There are many ways in which you can assist and help raise valuable funds. To find out how you can help, visit www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk/how-you-can-help.
For advice and support contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0345 241 2885
Image credit: RBF
