The Ben Fund

The Ben Fund is an independent charity dedicated to supporting and caring for the police from recruitment into retirement. They understand that policing is more than a job – protecting the public is a vocation which presents its own unique set of stresses and strains. The Ben Fund has a unique offer which can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual member.

The North West Police Benevolent Fund was founded in 1974 when Cheshire Constabulary, Greater Manchester and Merseyside Police brought together their independent welfare Funds to combine them into one consolidated fund. In recent years it has been joined by Lancashire Constabulary, Cumbria Constabulary, the National Crime Officers Association and now by North Wales Police. There are currently 16,500 members of the Ben Fund including many retired officers.

What are the benefits?

The Ben Fund are dedicated to supporting your physical and mental health and wellbeing. They understand that the police family has and continues to face unprecedented challenges.

Whether facing Austerity with its impact upon terms and conditions, pay and pensions or on the frontline of supporting communities through the global health emergency, members of the police family face unique pressures.

They are here to support you when you need them.

• Physiotherapy treatment at St Michael’s Lodge Lancashire and day treatment in North Wales

• Holistic treatments available including mindfulness, massage and alternative therapies

• Counselling service provided to members on a self-referral and confidential basis

• Free respite breaks to members and their families who require them. These are provided at their luxury lodges in the Lake District and North Lancashire

• Luxury Lodges available are also to rent at discounted prices

• Discounted luxury breaks available at their state-of-the art facility St Michael’s Lodge

• Financial hardship assistance via grants and interest free loans

• Death in Service grant of £5,000 payable immediately

• Wheelchair loan

They recognise that you may, from time to time, look at your pay slip to ensure you are getting value for money from the various schemes you may be in. They believe that the Ben Fund provides you a unique care package representing excellent value for money.

What does it cost?

Your donation is subject to payroll giving where you get the benefit of tax relief.

Your payslip shows a deduction of £8.40 per month. However, because you are donating to a charity you receive tax relief on your donation. This means that a member who pays 20% tax will actually pay £6.72 per month and a 40% taxpayer will pay £5.04 per month.

The same principle applies to retired officers. The £5 donation equals £4 for a 20% taxpayer and £3 for a 40% taxpayer.

Why not join the Fund today?

If you want to join, complete the application form.

Your monthly donation will be paid directly from either your salary or pension.

Find out more about The Ben Fund, and read their latest newsletter here.