The number of applications to the RCM’s Benevolent Fund from working midwives has increased substantially over recent years. Chair of the committee Kath Jones says this can be partly attributed to greater awareness of the fund, which is available for the relief of financial hardship – but is also likely to have been accelerated by tougher economic conditions.
‘It used to be mainly applications from retired midwives surviving on very little money, who needed help with repairing a boiler, for example. In the past people might have thought: “That doesn’t apply to me”,’ says Kath. ‘Now, circumstances have changed and we are getting more applications from working midwives, some of whom have been affected by ill health or incidents relating to domestic abuse.’
The one-off financial awards are made through a scoring system that takes into account applicants’ circumstances. ‘This year alone the fund has made almost 30 awards and the committee has a steady flow of applications to review. If we can’t help, we will direct people to other charities that may be able to,’ Kath says.
The Benevolent Fund is a charity and is reliant upon the generosity of midwives. Donations come through a variety of means: some RCM branches consider an annual donation at the time of their AGM; other motivated individuals undertake fundraising activities such as sponsored runs and walks.
Sometimes large sums are bequeathed to the charity. One such act of generosity came from Elsie Joslin, who left £31,000 to the fund when she died earlier this year aged 89. Joss, as she was known, was a registered midwife who practised in the South West. She was also the author of a book for expectant parents titled
Enlightened childbirth, published in 1964.
Kath says: ‘We knew before she died that she was planning to make the donation because her nephew had told us. She was so passionate about the RCM. It is very poignant that she wanted the RCM to receive this money. Joss’s commitment to the RCM had already been recognised while she was still alive: she was awarded with honorary membership and a tea party was held at her nursing home to mark the event.
‘It is only by such acts of generosity that the Benevolent Fund is able to continue to provide financial assistance to midwives experiencing hardship. Nobody ever knows when their circumstances might change, so it is good to be aware of the work of the fund,’ adds Kath.
The hardship fund is available to midwives, both working and retired, midwifery students, maternity support workers who are RCM members and RCM members of staff with more than five years’ service.
Application forms are available to download from the RCM website and donations or legacies can be made in a number of ways:
✲ Cash or cheque made payable to the Benevolent Fund of the RCM Trust
✲ Gift aid: this method is worth more to the fund as tax can be reclaimed on the amount paid, at no extra cost to the donator. Individuals can sign up for gift aid on a regular amount if they wish
✲ Bequest or legacy: individuals can make provision for the fund within their will
✲ Payroll giving scheme: employees can authorise their employers to deduct an amount from their pay and arrange for it to be paid to the fund. Again, tax can be reclaimed on this.
To find out more about how to apply for the fund, how to leave a legacy or make a donation, please visit:
tinyurl.com/rcm-benevolent-fund or contact the administrator on Tel: 020 7312 3535.
