Benevolent fund

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The Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Benevolent Fund is a registered charity set up to provide help to distressed members or former members of the Society, their widows, orphans or other dependents, and students registered with the Society.

The fund is urgently in need of donations to support its work. Donations may be sent direct to the

Benevolent Fund
Royal Pharmaceutical Society
1 Lambeth High Street
London SE1 7JN

At the beginning of the year, an easy way for pharmacists to make a donation is to include an additional sum when paying the membership retention fee. Gift Aid donations are especially welcome. For further information about Gift Aid, contact the finance department at the Society.

Some of the areas of support offered by or through the Benevolent Fund are outlined below. Unless otherwise stated, further information is available from the
Benevolent Fund co-ordinator, David Qualter (tel/fax: 01323 890135)

Convalescence, rest and recovery Despite the closure of Birdsgrove House, the Benevolent Fund continues to support those in need of convalescence or rest and recovery. Referral can be made to services suited to the individual’s own needs and geographical location.

Stress counselling The Benevolent Fund finances the Listening Friends Scheme, which provides an opportunity to talk about personal problems in complete confidence with a fellow pharmacist trained in listening skills. The service can be accessed by telephoning its help-line on 020 7572 2442.

Addiction treatment The Benevolent Fund provides support for the Pharmacists’ Health Support Programme, an independent service which helps pharmacists who experience problems with alcohol or other drugs of addiction, or who have other problems that impair their fitness to practise.

Help can be obtained or through the Benevolent Fund co-ordinator (see above), who will provide the telephone number of either the scheme’s independent national co-ordinator or one of its regional referees, or by telephoning the national co-ordinator’s direct helpline (tel 01327 264531).

Financial assistance Financial assistance can be provided for those in genuine need. It may take the form of quarterly or monthly grants or one-off payments. Interest-free loans may also be made to help with major items of expenditure such as external redecoration and repairs where no other source of funding can be found.

Welfare advice The Benevolent Fund can offer advice on a wide range of welfare issues.