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Member Stories
“…I applied for the Foresters Support Fund grant to help with loss of income. It will allow me to recoup savings, which were used to pay bills…”
Rebekah was extremely kind, friendly, and helpful throughout the application process.
“I am self-employed and needed shoulder surgery. I applied for the Foresters Support Fund grant to help with loss of income. It will allow me to recoup savings, which were used to pay bills etc. Rebekah (Court Services Assistant) was extremely kind, friendly, and helpful throughout the application process. I cannot thank her enough!”
From the bottom of my heart, I thank the Foresters for their generosity!
“My car needed expensive work doing on it (new gear box and clutch) and the total was £1000. The grant from the Foresters has made a massive impact, because I don’t have that amount of money available to me. Receiving the grant has taken a very heavy weight off my shoulders and I can’t thank the Foresters enough for their massive help. I can now continue to take my Grandson to school, which really helps my daughter who is supporting her Partner with Leukemia. From the bottom of my heart, I thank the Foresters for their generosity! Thank you so much Foresters!”
I am so so grateful to be part of this amazing society
“I was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor late last year and underwent Neurosurgery in January this year. I have been unable to work ever since. Words cannot express how deeply grateful we are for this help financially. Both myself and my husband run a small business and he had to take time off work to look after our 11 year old son in the early days. Now he is back at work, but I am not as of yet. With food prices spiraling and bills going through the roof this money is helping us keep our head above water, so to speak.
Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!! My Grandfather gifted me a life subscription to the Foresters Friendly Society in his will. I don’t think he could have dreamt at the time how valuable this gift has been to me. The support from the branch secretary has been so comforting during such a worrying time for us. I am so so grateful to be part of this amazing society. Thank you all and thank you Grandad.”
I feel blessed to have Foresters on my side!
“I had some surgery go badly wrong in July, which meant that I had to stop working. It is a tremendous help and encouragement to receive this grant. It will help enormously with general living costs at this strange and challenging time for me. I feel blessed to have Foresters on my side!”
“I applied for the Educational Award to support the cost of attending drama school. The grant has provided support towards my tuition fees and additional costs, which include fuel, script, headshot and show reel purchases.”
“I applied for the Educational grant as I needed financial aid for my forthcoming year of studies at University. As I have quickly learnt, being a student is expensive, and the money given to me from the Foresters has proved incredibly helpful, covering the costs of joining a sports team, as well as contributing to the living costs associated with being a student. The money given to me will allow me to make the most of my educational experience and time at university.”
“Like so many people, the pandemic caused a reduction in my working pattern which inevitably resulted in loss of earnings. To help support my family, I decided to learn a new skill by training as an electrician. It quickly became apparent that training would include costs for PPE, tools and assessments, so I applied for the Educational Award to help with this.
It’s been a huge relief to buy these necessities without putting myself into further debt. My confidence has been bolstered by the support that Foresters has invested in me. It’s lovely to see that this ancient Society really values it’s members.”
“I applied for the Educational Award grant after having spoken to my Court Secretary about the costs associated with my current studies. Having to fund the cost of travelling from Coventry to Birmingham for 14 weeks was going to be a challenge, along with finding the money to pay for the textbooks I need to support my goal of becoming a registered dietitian…”
“The Foresters Support Fund grant has benefitted me greatly as hearing loss can be very isolating and hearing aids are expensive. I am very grateful for the grant received from Foresters, which has helped with the cost of my hearing aids.”
“Receiving the Foresters Support Fund has been a great relief, as I’ve recently started a new job after a period of unemployment. The money is enough to pay a whole month of my bills, which has taken away some of the stresses in my life.
I’m very appreciative that I was able to obtain the grant. With this support in place, I can get on top of managing my finances.”
“I applied for the grant to help me buy the equipment and books I need to further my studies to become a paramedic.
Thanks to the Educational Award grant from Foresters I was able to buy the materials I needed and as a result both my grades and my knowledge have improved.
Foresters Friendly Society look after their members in every way possible, and I am proud to call myself a member.”
The grant has helped during an extremely stressful year
“I’m currently in my fifth year of studying on the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law. The Educational Award Fund grant enabled me to attend a work experience placement, which in turn helped with the application for my current job. It also meant that I was able to purchase study books without having to worry about the cost.
Thanks to the support given by Foresters Friendly Society I have been able to study efficiently throughout the year and I really appreciate the help the grant has given me during an extremely stressful year. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Foresters and all it does.”
“I was recently awarded a grant from the Foresters Support Fund, which enabled me to purchase a second-hand stair lift. Having this aid has made a great difference to my quality of life and I’m very grateful to Foresters for their help and support.”
“As I am a full time carer for my wife, we have limited spare money, so when our boiler broke it was imperative that we replaced it as soon as possible.
The support received from the Foresters Support Fund, and from our local branch, allowed us to replace the boiler without the financial impact hitting us too hard. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Foresters Friendly Society, and all the company does to support its members, to friends and family.”
“COVID-19 has made it very difficult for me to find work, as more people are applying for the same positions. I’m currently unemployed and needed financial support to cover my monthly outgoings.
The Foresters Support Fund has enabled me to pay my bills and put fuel in my car, so I can continue to attend job interviews.”
It allowed us to get away from pressures at home
“My wife and I visited the convalescent home in Bridlington to allow us to have a break from the stress of life at home whilst I recovered from a muscular injury.
The break was instrumental in aiding recovery and rest, as it allowed us to get away from pressures at home and spend some relaxing time in a great location with other Foresters members who were also convalescing.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the convalescent home grant to any member who needs some time to themselves to recuperate, you’re guaranteed to receive a warm welcome and great food, but most importantly, you are able to rest and relax amongst friends.”
“The pandemic has had a huge impact on my finances, as I lost the majority of my work during lockdown. As a specialist advisor supporting schools and local authorities to ensure vulnerable children don’t miss out on education, clear speech and communication skills are vital for my role. I applied for the Foresters Support Fund to help with extensive dental treatment that I needed, which wasn’t available under the NHS. The medical bills were a huge shock, especially as my income was impacted by the pandemic.
I was worried about how I was going to be able to afford the treatment but receiving the grant from Foresters has been a huge boost for me and my family. Having support to pay for my medical bills has meant that I can start to work again.”
“I cannot believe the amount of support, warmth and compassion I have received from Foresters Friendly Society as a result of applying for assistance through the Foresters Support Fund.
I applied for the grant as I am currently out of work, through no fault of my own, and have been facing financial pressures with a mortgage, bills and a daughter at University to take care of. This fantastic grant has helped take the pressure off financially.
I have been a member of the Society for years, and now I really feel a part of something special.”
“The grant received from the Foresters Child Support Fund means that we can sign our daughter up for alternative therapies. She has special needs, and the therapies could have a considerable impact on her abilities. Foresters lives true to its name as a Friendly Society.
Everyone I’ve ever dealt with at Foresters has been kind and caring. You really feel like a valued member. I can’t thank Foresters enough for its generosity and support.”
Without the grant from Foresters, I wouldn’t have been able to afford all of this
“The Educational Award has helped to support the costs of my education. The grant has enabled me to purchase up to date textbooks to help with my studies and has funded my travel to and from sixth form. Receiving the grant has also enabled me to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, which has given me great life skills that will prepare me for University. Without the grant from Foresters, I wouldn’t have been able to afford all of this.”
“This last year has been financially devastating for our family, from redundancy to losing my business, all of which has had a huge impact on what we are able to offer our children. As a family we have all had to make cutbacks and sacrifices due to our loss of earnings. The cost for music lessons and other extra-curricular clubs for our children has been very expensive, but the grant that we received from Foresters has meant that they can continue with their musical education and extra-curricular activities.”
“Our daughter suffers from hearing loss and the associated impact this has had on her since an early age in relation to academic attainment and social interaction. The grant we received from the Child Support Fund has been a huge help in funding additional support to help with day-to-day life and education, which we hope will help contribute to our daughter achieving her academic potential.
Foresters is a fantastic organisation that not only provides financial products, but more importantly, looks after its members. Foresters is there when it really matters.”
“After suffering with a worsening medical condition, I needed help to pay for treatment that wasn’t covered by the NHS. I applied for the Foresters Support Grant, as the medical bills alone were £2,500. The grant has been an enormous help to me, as this was a huge sum of money for me to find.
I’m extremely grateful to Foresters for their support, which has enabled me to get the treatment that I needed. Thank you!”
Receiving the generous grant from Foresters was a huge relief
“After being made redundant back in August 2021, my son needed urgent treatment for a root canal under sedation. The pressures of the pandemic meant that NHS dental practises had a two year waiting list, so we had no choice but to go private. I am actively looking for employment, but the cost of the treatment would have been an extreme burden on my finances, so receiving the generous grant from Foresters was a huge relief.
The money has gone a long way towards paying off the cost of the treatment and I would encourage everyone to use the help available from Foresters.”
“The grant from Foresters has been a huge benefit to my daughter who has autism. She has now found a transitional college facility in Gloucester that offers a bespoke package to help her achieve her qualifications.
To cater for Harley’s condition, any plans we have as a family are often adjusted or require additional expense, so the grant is a huge help. Many thanks once again for your generosity.”
“Receiving the Educational Award grant has given me the resources to push onwards with my course progress. The grant has been a huge help towards repaying my course fees and covering book costs for a level six research module, as required by my degree course.”
“Ill health and COVID-19 have both had a huge impact on my wife and I. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I’ve only been able to work a small number of days and having utilised all the money and good will that was available to us, our debts were rising.
Receiving the Foresters Support Fund has been a huge relief as it has enabled us to pay off some of our debts and M.O.T. our car. Thank you again for all your help.”
We are so grateful for the support from Foresters
“As a freelance illustrator, I have really struggled financially this year because of COVID-19. The grant from Foresters has meant that I can replace our broken washing machine and purchase new school clothes for my children. This has been a huge relief as I’m currently recovering from surgery following a cancer diagnosis and have found it difficult to continuously handwash our clothes.
We are so grateful for the support from Foresters. It could not have come at a better time.”
“At the end of 2021 I suffered an unexpected, traumatic event that caused me significant psychological distress. Consequently, I have been signed off from work and require treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The combination of OCD and PTSD requires a specialist form of treatment conducted by highly trained consultants accredited with the EMDR association.
Since the event, I have struggled a lot with my mental health and the reduction in salary due to long-term leave from work has added financial pressure. The Foresters support grant will enable me to pay for the first phase of EMDR therapy, which is crucial in assessing my condition and developing a formal treatment plan. Without the grant from Foresters, I would have to delay my treatment until a later stage, potentially worsening my condition.”
I suffer from severe Hyalosis, which affects my vision. I was advised by my optician that a specialised lens in my glasses would help me. The new glasses were of course very expensive. The Foresters Support Fund grant has been a huge help as it has gone towards the cost of my new lenses.
“I’m studying in higher education and need support to purchase the materials I need for my course. Receiving the Educational Award from Foresters has taken some of the financial pressure off my parents. Thank you Foresters!”
The grant has been a godsend and has enabled me to pay for the consultant fees upfront
“I have been suffering with hip pain for the last 3 years and due to Covid, I haven’t been able to get the help I need via the NHS. The pain has become so bad that it’s affecting my quality of life and ability to drive, so I decided to pay for the operation privately to the cost of several thousand pounds. The grant has been a godsend and has enabled me to pay for the consultant fees upfront. I am also very grateful to the Support Fund for providing the grant, and to my Court who also provided a small grant. It has all been a great help and has put my mind at ease. I’ve been a member of The Foresters for many years and have only ever claimed from the Court’s discretionary grants. To me, this sums up absolutely what Foresters is all about, helping its members, and I am so grateful.”
“The Educational Award will go towards the cost of resources including books and travel to university. It has helped with my further study and has boosted my confidence in the Foresters that they are true to their word. I will be recommending Foresters Friendly Society to my family, as it’s such a great way to save small amounts and the benefits, such as these awards, outweigh the costs. I have been a member for 20+ years and I have always enjoyed the positive interactions that I’ve had with the Society. Thank you very much.”
“I am studying part time for an undergraduate degree in BSc Computing and IT with the Open University. I have a very old laptop which is slow, making studying very frustrating and time consuming. The Educational Award grant will help me to replace it with a new laptop which will help me to excel with my studies. I am very grateful for the support. Thank you very much Foresters!”
“As a result of the cost-of living crisis, I have decided to commute to university as it will be cheaper than living in halls. The Educational grant that I received from Foresters has helped to cover the cost of my travel to and from university. I’ve been able to purchase a 16-25 railcard and I can purchase subsequent train fairs, so I can travel safely and reliably, which I am very grateful for. Foresters provide many great offers and opportunities for support and are always very helpful.”
I am very pleased with the prompt assessment by Foresters Friendly of my suitability for the Educational Award
“I applied for the Educational Award grant to help meet course costs and to help secure access to study books and journal papers. The Educational Award will in a very short time be applied to reduce my cost of learning. This is particularly helpful at the moment as my partner and I like many others, are feeling the effects of the rising cost of living. I am very pleased with the prompt assessment by Foresters Friendly of my suitability for the Educational Award. Moreover, I feel that the products and benefits offered by Foresters Friendly represent a social responsibility difficult to find promoted elsewhere in the financial sector.”
“Thanks to the Foresters Child Support Fund, I can purchase assistive technology to support my children with their hearing loss as they grow and become more independent. Both children require help at home and at school to ensure they can hear properly and to develop their language and social skills.
With the grant, I can purchase vibrating alarm clocks, hearing loops, headphones and a soundfield system to support their development.”
“With the cost of living increasing, I have really struggled to stay afloat. I initially called to withdraw money from my LISA, but the lovely staff member that I spoke to told me all about the grants that Foresters have available and told me that I could reapply in the next term. This is something that I’m extremely grateful for. I don’t know any other financial services organisation that would do this for their customers, and it took tremendous stress off me. The grant has helped me to get on top of my finances and I’m extremely grateful to Foresters who are a wonderful organisation with friendly staff.”
“My daughter has cognitive learning difficulties and was granted an Education Health and Care Plan in year 2. Natasha is still working 2 plus years behind. She was awarded a grant from the Foresters Support Fund which will help us to purchase items that will aid her with her learning. Thank you Foresters for your support.”
The grant will enable us to ensure that our son is able to fully access specialist support outside of school
“I applied for a Child Support fund grant for my youngest child, who has complex educational needs and sensory processing difficulties. He is an exceptionally bright child but requires specialist support in school. The grant will enable us to ensure that our son is able to fully access specialist support outside of school and to have the same assistive software on home devices as he will be using in school. For our son it means that he can try more experiences that will enable him to push himself in terms of his safe boundaries to build his resilience as he grows through his teenage years into adulthood. For him the grant will bring opportunities and for us as a family it will enable us to further see our son flourish in a world that at the moment is often a challenging place for him.”
“My son, age 15, has type 1 diabetes and was diagnosed when he was 6 years old. The grant from the Child Support Fund will be a great help, as we have to buy additional food to manage our sons’ condition and in order for him to attend school trips, we have to go too, which has had a financial impact on us.
I have been paying into my son’s policy for some years and recently discovered that this support was available. The grant will be a huge help and I wish I had known about this sooner.”
The Foresters Support Fund grant has helped to purchase a mobility scooter
“The Foresters Support Fund grant has helped to purchase a mobility scooter, which has given me flexibility to enjoy outdoor activities with my husband. It was great to be able to revisit our old walking trails, which we both enjoyed (e.g. Monsal Trail)”
“I’ve been suffering with Long Covid since April 2020 and applied for the Foresters Support Fund to help with my recovery. My difficulties mainly include problems with breathing and fatigue, and I reached out to the Foresters to ask for any help and support they may be able to offer, predominantly with the cost of my Oxygen Therapy, which seems to really help.
My Oxygen Therapy has been significantly beneficial to aid my recovery from a severe episode of fatigue, which resulted in my absence from work. The Foresters Support Fund has meant I have been able to continue with the programme, which has enabled me to return to work. Hopefully I can eventually return to my full hours again.”
I have felt genuinely surprised by a company going the extra mile to help people when they need it
“I discovered the grant by accident on the website and thought I’d apply as I was struggling to get the books I needed from my universities library. If I was able to get the book it was only for a short period of 7 days which could be renewed up to 3 times, but this was still not long enough for me and was causing a lot of stress, as I was getting late return fines. I didn’t have enough money to pay for nearly £300 worth of books. The Educational Award has allowed me to focus on my student paramedic degree without worrying about time limits on books.
As I now own the books, I can refer to them any time I need to, which has helped a lot with my studies. Especially as I have dyslexia, so it takes me a long time to read generally and sometimes I will have to re-read many times to make sure I understood it correctly. This grant has definitely had a good impact on my learning, and I feel it will make me a more confident clinician in the future.
I have already recommended Foresters Friendly to several of my colleagues. I have felt genuinely surprised by a company going the extra mile to help people when they need it. I was even shocked again when my local branch sent an extra cheque for £100. It really made my day. I was also impressed with how fast the entire process was. Thanks again!”