Federation provides small benevolent grants to colleagues in need

19 September 2024

Cumbria Police officers who are facing hardship and difficulties in their personal lives are being encouraged to seek support from the Federation, which is able to issue small benevolent grants.

Ed Russell, Chair of Cumbria Police Federation, said: “Policing is difficult. We live in challenging times, and from time to time we all need a little assistance. So the Federation has started issuing benevolent grants to colleagues who found themselves in circumstances where they needed a bit of extra help. 

“We wanted to do something small for our colleagues; to identify those who were in need of a bit of a helping hand, and give them a small benevolent grant to help them through the toughest times.

“So far we’ve issued grants to colleagues for a wide range of personal issues.” 

Ed said he hoped that the small cash grant helped show officers that the Federation cared and was there to assist them in their time of need. Recipients had been grateful and surprised to receive such help, Ed added.

If officers were struggling with a personal issue, Ed encouraged them to speak to their managers, who can then contact the Federation and discuss if a grant is appropriate.

He said: “Talk to your manager about the stuff that impacts you – it might feel uncomfortable to have that conversation, but that is how we support one another, by having those difficult conversations and know that someone is going to listen. Then I’d ask managers to get in touch with the Federation.

“These grants are for people who are struggling. It doesn’t matter what rank you are, it doesn’t matter what your personal circumstances are. Everyone has tough times. I want to encourage those conversations to take place and, where we can help, we will."