Celebrating our 140th Anniversary

As we celebrate our 140th Anniversary, we are proud to stand alongside current, former and retired civil servants and their families, providing free support for life, just as we have since our beginnings in 1886. From our early days supporting widows and orphans of civil servants to today’s wide range of practical, financial and emotional help, one thing has never changed: we are here whenever life gets tricky.

Support when life gets tricky

Every year, thousands of people turn to our Help and Advice pages for support with money worries, mental health, caring, relationships, bereavement, addiction and wellbeing at work. From specialist apps and toolkits to confidential wellbeing conversations and grants, our team listen without judgement and help people take the next step forward.

For Demi, that support meant tailored coaching around ADHD and autism, as well as earlier help with council tax and budgeting. As she explains:

You can read Demi’s story in full and see how ongoing support has helped her feel more confident about her strengths and future.

When Bob lost his fiancée Daisy, we were there with both emotional support and financial help to keep him afloat at the hardest time in his life. As Bob says:

Discover more in Bob’s story and see how your support can help others facing bereavement and sudden change.

Dom’s experience shows how our help extends to carers too. When his dad John was diagnosed with brain cancer, Dom suddenly found himself juggling caring responsibilities with a full time role in the Ministry of Defence. We supported him to complete a Carer’s Passport and Carer’s Statement, helping him have constructive conversations at work and focus on precious time with his dad.

Read Dom’s story to learn more about the tools and advice available for carers.

If you, or someone you know, are facing a difficult time, start with our Help and Advice pages and find out how to apply for help.

A Legacy of kindness

Our 140th Anniversary is also a moment to honour those who choose to support future generations of civil servants through gifts in their Will. Colin, a retired civil servant, has pledged a legacy because he believes in looking after his own community:

By remembering the Charity for Civil Servants in his Will, Colin will continue to be part of the umbrella of support that shelters civil servants and their families on the rainiest of days. You can read Colin’s story and explore how to leave a gift in your Will.

Fundraising and Community Spirit

Fundraising has always been at the heart of our story. From early benevolent contributions in the 1880s to today’s walkers, runners, bakers, skydivers and cyclists, generations of civil servants have stepped up to help colleagues in need. Our history is full of brilliant fundraisers, including John, who took on the West Highland Way Race as part of a challenge that has inspired many others to get involved.

There are now many ways to stand alongside civil servants who turn to us for help:

Every act of generosity means we can be there when a colleague is facing a crisis, worrying about money or struggling with their mental health. Last year civil servants came to us for support on average every 15 minutes and that is only possible because of supporters like you.

Our story so far – and what comes next

Our history stretches from Queen Victoria’s patronage in 1886 to His Majesty The King becoming our Patron in 2024. Across those decades, the Civil Service and the Charity have changed and adapted together, always focused on supporting people through hardship and change.

Today that support includes:

As we celebrate our 140th Anniversary, we are looking ahead as well as looking back. With your help, we can continue to be Your Charity for Life, providing free support whenever life gets tricky.