Member Support

MEMBER SUPPORT

What we do

The BAFUNCS Member Support Team aim to assist BAFUNCS members and their dependants by providing information on healthcare, bereavement and accommodation for older people.

We offer confidential and friendly advice, a listening ear and when possible, visits to housebound members or those in care homes.  We can refer you to other BAFUNCS designated members or make contact directly by clicking Contact page below.

CLICK FOR LATEST UPDATES

Contact us

Details of designated Regional Member Support Contacts can be found on the BAFUNCS members website:

Regional Officers Page

Membership Directory

Alternatively, you can use the  Contact page  to reach the National Member Support Coordinator or other BAFUNCS designated members.

Key Support Areas

  1. Healthcare

We can signpost you to the various UN health insurance providers, the NHS, Social Services, charities and private healthcare.

Resources:

Guidance on using NHS and private healthcare (BAFUNCS leaflet)

  1. Bereavement Support

We. can assist you with personal and administrative matters following the death of a spouse or relative as we appreciate that this can be a difficult time for the bereaved.

Resources:

When a Pensioner Dies  (BAFUNCS Note 2) provides practical steps and useful contacts for members and their families.

What to do after a death   :  Citizens Advice checklist.

Cruse Bereavement Support   

Free helpline 📞 0808 808 1677

  1. Accommodation and Care Support

We can provide information on sheltered housing, respite care, nursing homes and live-in care.

Resources:

Accommodation for Older People (BAFUNCS Note 3)

Physical frailty, dementia and long-term health care

(BAFUNCS Benevolent Fund booklet)

Live-in care - advantages and possible pitfalls

(BAFUNCS Spring 2024 Newsletter page 11)

Cruse Bereavement Care.

Free helpline: 📞 0808 808 1677

4. BAFUNCS Benevolent Fund

The Regional Member Support Team can connect eligible individuals with the BAFUNCS Benevolent Fund, which supports former employees of the United Nations systems and related organisations who may be eligible.

Resources:

A Guide to the Benevolent Fund

(BAFUNCS Note 10 – History & Application Process)

BAFUNCS Benevolent Fund

Visit the website for direct applications. 

Government and Independent Support

Key Government Agencies

The NHS: For non-emergency health advice 111 online or 📞 111.

For advice on health, medicines, GPs, hospitals, pharmacies and how to access social care, specialised equipment and benefits.                                             .

- NHS for England

- NHS for Scotland

- NHS for Wales

- NHS for Northern Ireland

Department of Work and Pensions: To check entitlement to benefits and state pension.

DVLA : For vehicle licensing, disability exemptions, medical conditions, Blue Badge and bus pass applications.

 HMRC: What to do when someone dies

Independent Advice and Support

Citizens Advice

Confidential guidance on a wide range of issues including benefits, debt & housing:

📞 England:  0800 144 8848
📞 Wales:     0800 702 2020
📞 Scotland: 0800 028 1456

Get Advice in Northern Ireland

Age UK

Information and support for older adults.

📞 England:   0800 055 611
📞 Wales:      0300 303 4498
📞 Scotland:  0800 124 4222
📞 N. Ireland: 0808 808 7575

Other Useful Services

Turn2US : Information on charities and a confidential benefits calculator.

The Law Society : Find legal professionals.

Solicitors Regulation Authority: Guidance on selecting a solicitor.

Confidentiality Note

The BAFUNCS Member Support Team provide their services on a voluntary basis, maintaining strict confidentiality in communications.  They have no official status within the United Nations or its agencies and cannot provide legal advice.

Useful Links

BAFUNCS website

NHS Website

Cruse Bereavement Support

Citizens Advice

Age UK

Turn2Us

The Law Society

Solicitors Regulation Authority

 

 

 

Share This Post