Case studies of how the Trust has helped members and their families
Helping the widow of a member who died
The family of a member who had recently died aged 40 contacted the Trust. The member's widow had been left with two children under the age of four, but was unable to work because of obvious childcare issues. The Trust gave the family a lump sum to help with immediate financial issues, together with a further grant to assist with child minding and nursery costs to allow the widow to get back to her part time teaching job. The family was extremely grateful for this support, and commented that the Trust had been able to move much more swiftly than the member's life assurance company in providing assistance at a difficult time.
Helping a long term unemployed member
A member contacted the Trust who had suffered years of mental health issues and long term unemployment, had eventually secured a planning degree but was now having difficulty finding work. The Trust was able to enhance the members' employment prospects by financing a set of driving lessons for him.
Helping a member with breast cancer who was unable to work
A member who is a single mother with teenage children contacted the Trust. She was undergoing treatment for breast cancer, was unable to work and had not been able to provide any kind of 'family' activity for a considerable period. The Trust was able to make an immediate payment to ensure that a fun Christmas could be enjoyed by the member and her children, and in the New Year the Trust helped further by providing financial assistance for some home repairs.
The Trust also now supports future planners through bursaries to students at accredited planning schools. This year it also made funding available for a ground-breaking initiative supporting planning professionals displaced due to conflicts and natural disasters.