When deteriorating health and bereavement led to early retirement in 2013, this client found themselves struggling to cope – both emotionally and financially. Living alone and unable to cover basic living costs, they accessed state benefits and received financial assistance from the Chemists’ Community Fund (CCF) to cover basic living costs and make ends meet.
Reflecting on that time, they shared:
"When I first received support from the CCF, I felt a very big relief filled with hope. I believed there would be a good future ahead for me. The financial and other kinds of support came at the time most needed."
Beyond financial support
The CCF’s role extended far beyond one-off financial assistance. Our Caseworker provided ongoing practical guidance, ensuring they didn't feel alone during a challenging period. This included regular check-ins, empathetic listening, and tailored guidance to help the client regain confidence and stability.
As well as this, they also gently encouraging the client to explore all available state benefits – a process we recognise can be difficult or daunting for some.
Due to ongoing health issues, they agreed to a referral to Citizens Advice Manchester (CAM), who offer expert advice on benefits and appeals. CAM worked at the client’s pace, helping them navigate the complex Personal Independence Payment (PIP) process. PIP is a benefit for people who have extra care or mobility needs as a result of a disability.
This wasn’t without its challenges, with the client sharing that: "This was not an easy journey. When I made my first PIP application in 2019 it was refused, which caused a great deal of stress and frustration."
With encouragement from their CCF Caseworker, they persisted and submitted a second application in 2023. When that one was also refused, CAM identified errors in the decision and guided the client through the appeals process.
"CAM offered me good quality advice that helped me express myself very well to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). As a result of their excellent work, my PIP appeal was successful."
Due to this successful appeal, in 2025 the client received a backdated benefit payment, covering the entitlement they had originally been denied two years earlier.
"I write this note to thank you for your support and encouragement. All the effort, courage and support has been from you. Thank you once again for all the help you have given me."
CCF support is not just about financial grants – we’re here for RSC members and their families to lean on when life feels difficult. We’ll take the time to get to know your situation, so everything we do is tailored to what you need. Whether it’s access to the benefits you are entitled to, or any other challenge you are facing, we’re here for you.
Find out more about how CCF could support you
The Chemists’ Community Fund is here to support every member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and their family with financial, social, mental, physical and wellbeing support.
It gives impartial information, helpful connections and support that members and their families can count on, when and where they need it – all delivered confidentially.
Find out more about the Chemists’ Community Fund here.