The Avon and Somerset Police Benevolent Fund provides somewhere to turn in times of financial need.

It’s easy to think, “that won’t happen to me” - to assume that serious illness, sudden loss, or life-changing challenges are things that happen to someone else.

But the reality is, unexpected events do happen. They can affect any of us, our colleagues, or the people we care about most, often without warning. When they do, everyday life can quickly shift from normal to something far more difficult to navigate.

Recognising this isn’t about being pessimistic; it’s about being prepared, looking out for one another, and ensuring support is there when it’s needed most.

What is the Benevolent Fund?

In 1974 the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Benevolent Fund was created when the previous smaller Bristol, Somerset and Bath Constabularies were brought together. There is a long history of these such Funds around the Country.

The Fund is a registered Charity and provides financial help to existing Avon and Somerset Constabulary officers, police staff and retired colleagues.

The fund provides confidential long or short-term financial support for police officers and staff, their spouse, partner, or children. This may include an interest-free loan or grant.

Trustees will consider any circumstance where hardship, distress or mental detriment is being caused.

Eligibility

Anyone in the following categories can apply:

• current police officers or special constables
• current police staff, including PCSOs and volunteers
• retirees, whether through ill health or completion of service
• surviving spouses of former officers or staff

Support examples

The benevolent fund has helped with expenses for:

• periods of treatment
• surgery at hospital
• adjustments to homes following sickness or disability
• holidays for those in need of respite

Donations.

Your donation is very important to us and will help the Fund provide financial aid to Police Officers and members of Police Staff of this Constabulary either serving or retired and their dependants where there is a need. Every little helps and all donations however small will be welcome. Another simple way of helping the fund is by remembering the fund in your will. Leaving a legacy is free from inheritance tax. Please email us or click the link below, for a donation form, which would come directly from your wages and counts as a charitable donation. The minimum donation amount currently is £2.50, but you can donate as much as you would like to.

A&S Constabulary Benevolent Fund Donation Form

Donations can also be made via Just Giving; this can be found via the following link:

The Avon and Somerset Benevolent Fund - JustGiving

How do I request Support and Assistance?

If you are having difficulties in meeting an extraordinary bill for example, if you are dealing with one of life's unexpected events which causes untold financial pressure, or maybe your home needs an urgent item of maintenance or an adaption that you are struggling to afford, then the Trustees would be happy to receive an application in order that your needs are considered for a grant from the Benevolent Fund. (Please note that the Trustees are unable to consider any requests for financial assistance in respect of nursing or care home costs.)

A&S Constabulary Benevolent Fund Grant Making Policy

A&S Constabulary Benevolent Fund - Application for Assistance

For more information, to make an enquiry, please call 01278 647084 or email ascbenfund@polfed.org