MEMBER SUPPORT
The Member Support Team aim to provide BAFUNCS members and their dependants with bespoke support for health care, bereavement and accommodation for the elderly.
We offer friendly and confidential advice and assistance or simply a listening ear on an informal basis. If desired and circumstance allow, we can make visits to those who are housebound, elderly or care home residents.
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HEALTH
We can help you to navigate the UN’s various health insurance covers, the NHS, Social Services, charities and private health provision in UK.
NHS Choices Tel: 111 (for non-emergency health advice)
BEREAVEMENT
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.
BAFUNCS Note 2 “When a Pensioner dies” provides a practical plan of action and useful contacts for members and their families.
Support can also be found at Cruse Bereavement Care Tel: 0808 0808 1677 (free National Helpline)
ACCOMMODATION FOR CONVALESCENCE AND THE ELDERLY.
We can provide details of national and regional organisations that offer information on sheltered housing, nursing and convalescent accommodation and care homes.
BAFUNCS Note 3 Accommodation for older people provides further advice and contacts for external agencies.
BAFUNCS BENEVOLENT FUND
We can act as a conduit to the BAFUNCS Benevolent Fund for both BAFUNCS members and non-members who are former employees of the United Nations System, who are ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and who may therefore be eligible for support from the Fund.
You may contact your Regional Member Support Officer OR you may visit the BAFUNCS Benevolent Fund website directly for further information.
BAFUNCS Benevolent Fund booklet Where to find information and advice in dealing with physical frailty, dementia and associated long-term health care offers further comprehensive information.
CONTACTS
National Welfare Support Coordinator (welfare@bafuncs.org)
Regional Member Support Officers- see BAFUNCS website
The BAFUNCS Member Support Officers provide this support on a voluntary basis. Strict confidentiality is maintained in relation to any communication with individuals.
They do not have the authority to intervene in other members’ affairs unless, of course, they agree to undertake and have been granted power of attorney. They have no status, official or otherwise, within the United Nations or its organizations and bodies, and cannot handle any matters that have legal implications.
Useful External Agencies
Age UK Tel: 0800 678 1602
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Age UK Cymru Tel: 0800 169 65 65
Age UK Scotland Tel: 0333 32 32 400
Age UK Northern Ireland Tel: 0808 808 7575
Your local Citizens' Advice Bureau can provide information and advice in confidence or point you in the right direction. For the contact details of your nearest Citizens' Advice Bureau try the local library, your GP surgery or look on the Citizens Advice website.
Department of Work and Pensions