A Little Extra Support When You Need It
Understanding Foresters Plus Discretionary Benefits
We understand that life doesn’t always go to plan. Unexpected bills or health costs can pop up, or studies can become more expensive than initially expected. That’s exactly why Foresters Friendly Society offers discretionary benefits as part of our membership called Foresters Plus – a helping hand for members through difficult times.
These Foresters Plus benefits are there to ease the pressure, offer reassurance, and remind members that they’re part of a community that genuinely cares.
What are Foresters Plus Discretionary Benefits?
Discretionary benefits are financial grants or support offered to members who need a bit of extra help. They’re not loans, so there’s nothing to repay. They’re simply there to make life a little easier.
Members can apply for support with things like:
- Trips to the opticians or dentist
- Education costs, such as books, laptops or travel expenses
- Recovery support after illness
- Unexpected emergencies such as floods or house fires
- Support with Help at Home costs for domiciliary care
- Support for Children in hardship
These benefits are designed to help members in times of need.
Learn more about our Membership Benefits.
Ways We Support Our Members
Help For Members During Difficult Times
If a member faces an emergency – perhaps a flood, accident, or illness, we can offer financial assistance from the Foresters Support Fund to help. This is available for members of any age in times of hardship, however you must have been a member of the Society for at least six months before you can apply for a grant of this type.
Support for Children
As part of our benevolent approach, the Foresters Child Support fund was set up to commemorate members who died during the First World War. Today the Child Support Fund’s purpose is to provide financial assistance for children (up to and including the age of 19) in times of need. To apply for a grant from the Foresters Child Support Fund you must have been a member of the Society for at least six months.
Support with Health Costs
Healthcare can be expensive, especially if it’s unexpected. You may need some work done at the dentist or need an eye test and some new glasses. Our discretionary Healthcare Grants can help towards the cost of everyday dental and optical care.
Please note, Discretionary Healthcare Grants vary from branch to branch. Your local Foresters branch will be able to tell you exactly what’s available in your area and the qualifying period that applies.
Educational Award Grants
For members aged 16 and over, we can offer Educational Award Grants up to £300 a year to support with higher education costs when studying for a recognised qualification. Books, travel, equipment – it all adds up, and we’re here to help lighten to load. To apply you must have been a member of the Society for at least 12 months.
Support with Help at Home costs
When members need extra help at home, covering the costs can be prohibitive. To support members, Help at Home Grants are available after a minimum of six months’ membership to help with domiciliary care. Members can reclaim costs up to £730 in any two-year period to support Help at Home domiciliary needs.
Recovery Support
Members recovering from illness can apply for Convalescent Grants to stay at dedicated recovery homes, called Convalescent homes, helping them to focus on getting well without added financial stress. To apply you must have been a member of the Society for at least six months.
Please note that all grants offered by the Society are discretionary and depend on your individual circumstances.
Foresters Care
We know that life can be difficult at times, perhaps you are suffering from a long-term illness or have experienced the loss of a loved one. You can be safe in the knowledge that Foresters Care is here to support you through these hard times. Foresters Care has supported thousands of people through serious and long-term physical and mental illnesses, trauma, eldercare and bereavement, across all life stages. Foresters Care is provided by RedArc Assured Ltd, a personal nurse advice service.
If you’re a member and you need support, call 0800 276 1023, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, to speak to Foresters Care. RedArc do not record calls, so anything you say is kept private and confidential.
Shopping & Lifestyle Discounts
Members aged 18 and over also have access to new shopping & lifestyle discounts. Whether it’s your weekly grocery shop, reducing your utility bills or a weekend take-away delivered to your door, there’s discounts that could save you money.
Please note, a valid email address is required to access the discount platform and offers on the platform are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply.
Why Being a Member Matters
Joining Foresters Friendly Society means becoming part of a community built for helping others, providing support and connection. Members enjoy:
- Access to support grants in times of need
- A supportive network of people who look out for one another
- Social events and community activities that build friendships
- Access to Foresters Care for support
- Access to new shopping and lifestyle discounts
Becoming a member is easy and you’ll become part of a community that’s here to help when life gets tricky.
Find out more about our Membership today.
All grants offered by the Society are discretionary. The membership benefits that Foresters Friendly Society provide aren’t regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority and are regularly reviewed by us to ensure they are relevant to our members. Qualifying periods apply.
The Foresters Plus Shopping and Lifestyle Discounts are managed and run on behalf of Foresters Friendly Society by Parliament Hill Ltd of Britannia House, 21 Station Street, Brighton BN1 4DE. Parliament Hill is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and the discounts platform contains regulated products and services.