A charity for life, not just for Christmas

As we approach the festive season, it’s a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate what we have achieved together for our Civil Service community. For generations, we have been here for civil servants and their families, offering an umbrella of free, confidential support so that no one ever has to face life’s challenges alone.

That is why we are so proud to be celebrating our 140th anniversary next year. This milestone is not just a marker of our history, but a testament to what we continue to build together: a supportive, compassionate community where help is always within reach.

Watch Jonathan’s christmas message

Watch our CEO, Jonathan, reflect on the last year, the support you’ve made possible and why we’re your Charity for Life, not just for Christmas.

If you are unable to view the video, see the full transcript (txt).

Putting wellbeing first

This year, our Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference brought together around 13,500 people across the Civil Service community. Whether joining live over five days or watching on demand, colleagues made time to prioritise their mental health, share practical tools and remind one another that support is always available. It was a standout moment—one that truly embodied what it means to be a Charity for life.

Showing Up across the UK

At Civil Service Live, we met colleagues face to face, heard first-hand what is happening across departments and highlighted the many ways we can help you – and the people you manage – when life gets tricky. These conversations continue to shape how we show up, respond and adapt to the needs of our community.

Your support in action

From taking part in the Mega Miles Challenge, donating through Payroll Giving, joining our Community Lottery, or rallying your workplace for Festive Jumper Day – every act of support genuinely matters.

Thanks to your generosity, we are able to help someone from the Civil Service community, on average, every 15 minutes. That support lasts far beyond the Christmas season. It is the foundation of free, lifelong help for civil servants and their families.

One person we recently supported captured this powerfully.

Looking ahead to our 140th Anniversary

As we move towards this milestone, please keep spreading the word. If you have new starters, apprentices, returners or colleagues in other locations, encourage them to join the community and discover the free support available to them for life.

Together, we can ensure that every civil servant knows:

We are your Charity for Life,
not just for Christmas.