"When James died so suddenly, I just couldn't cope. I was crying all the time and everything just seemed too much effort. Then a friend of James' (also a Civil) told me about the Benevolent Fund and the helpline. I phoned them and was immediately recommended for bereavement counseling.  I had several sessions and over time I have come to realize that I have to go on with life and things will improve. It's over a year now since the accident, and I do feel better. It's still hard, but with support from the Fund and my dog as my new companion, I have managed. Thank goodness for the ICE and its Benevolent Fund.".

How we can help

The Benevolent Fund of the Institution of Civil Engineers helps Civil Engineers and their dependants. It provides a range of services including:

• 24 hour free helpline - staffed 7 days a week by qualified Advisors, providing confidential advice, information and support on a wide range of social welfare, family, legal and consumer issues.
• Counselling - helping people come to terms with their difficulties, giving support when it is needed most and helping them to re-build their lives and achieve maximum independence.
• Housing - for Engineers and their dependants in straitened circumstances.
• Financial help - by grant or loan given in appropriate circumstances, including help with:
   - Daily living expenses.
   - Replacement of essential domestic appliances, furnishings, re-decorations and repairs to property.
   - Aids, adaptions and equipment to promote independence.
   - Education and recreational activities for children of  beneficiaries.
   - Residential and nursing home care for the frail, elderly and disabled.
   - Holidays for people in need of a break which they cannot afford from their own resources.
   - Gifts and additional financial help for those most in need at Christmas and Easter.
• Student Help - The Fund now offers help to disabled or disadvantaged students who are studying on ICE accredited courses at UK universities.

The Fund is needs led and is not constrained by a pre-determined budget. We will provide help in the most appropriate way speedily and in confidence, according to individual circumstances.