Your incredible support allowed them to access life-changing help when they needed it most.
Here’s just some of the ways you made a difference in 2025
A message from our CEO,
Jonathan Freeman MBE DL
I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who donates, volunteers, takes part in fundraising events or has left a gift in their Will. Your generosity makes a lasting, life-changing difference to civil servants who are facing hardship — from help with unexpected funeral costs to support with chronic illness. In fact, you helped people over 73,000 times last year.
Thanks to you, we were able to provide support totalling £6.18m for our Civil Service community in 2025, ensuring that civil servants past and present never have to cope with life’s challenges alone. The year was also packed with brilliant events. Over 13,500 people registered to attend our Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference, hearing from experts on topics from dementia to neurodiversity. We are also immensely grateful to the hundreds of civil servants across the UK who took part in our annual Mega Miles Challenge, walking, running and biking to raise over £70,000!
We know that times remain tough for many civil servants. This year marks the 140th anniversary of the Charity’s founding. A lot has changed since 1886, but we remain as committed as ever to being your Charity for life. Whether you’re a current, former or retired civil servant, we are here for you.
However, we need your help to continue providing hope and practical support for members of our community when they need it most.
By joining our Community Lottery from just £1 per week, you’ll be providing life-changing support for civil servants when they need it most. And you’ll also have the chance of winning a cash prize of up to £25,000 every Friday!
Hear from the people you’ve supported
Ruki's story
When Ruki’s smart meter flagged her cooker and hob as unsafe, she suddenly faced a cost she hadn’t budgeted for, all while managing the pressure of the rising cost of living. That’s when she reached out to us for help.
Ruki said, “I just wanted to share my heartfelt thanks for the incredible support I received from the Charity for Civil Servants. You listened – really listened… and I honestly didn’t know how I’d manage… Your team asked all the right questions about my income and expenses with kindness and empathy. Then you came through with a voucher to replace them and even helped out a bit with groceries too.
Honestly, it was such a huge relief – knowing I wasn’t alone in that moment eased so much anxiety.”
*Some elements of this story have been anonymised or changed to protect the person’s identity.
Thank you for making a difference
Graham and Lesley’s story
You were there for people like Graham and Lesley, who needed support when their son David passed away at just 6 years old.
Graham and Lesley’s world turned upside down when they took their son, David, for what they assumed was a routine doctor’s appointment.
“We were told that David had a type of cancer called Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and they operated on him straight away, followed by vigorous chemotherapy. At this point, we were just in shock, like rabbits in headlights. We were taking it in turns to be at the hospital whilst looking after David’s older sister, Katy.”
The family celebrated David’s sixth birthday around his hospital bed, with the entire ward making it as special as possible with presents, decorations and sweets. So much so, that David claimed it to be the “best birthday ever”.
Just after Christmas, David got the all clear. Sadly, just a month later, the cancer came back. David passed away shortly afterwards, leaving his family devastated and in need of emotional and financial support.
When Graham got in touch, we listened and were able to provide help, immediately relieving some of the weight from Graham and Lesley’s shoulders.
Graham told us, “When we didn’t know who to turn to, the Charity was our life raft. We grabbed onto it when we felt like we didn’t have anything to hold onto… it was so important to have that support at that time.”
Graham is also a supporter of the Charity.
“I started donating a long time before we needed help ourselves. I heard the stories of how the Charity had helped people and thought – how could I not? For the sake of just a few pounds a month. When you’re part of a community like the Civil Service, it’s important to help others. I just didn’t know it would ever be me asking for help.”
fabulous fundraisers
We want to say huge thank you to all the amazing people who organised or joined a fundraising event in 2025 to raise money for their Civil Service community!
Here are just a few inspiring examples:
Running rings around Silverstone racetrack
Matt and Lauren, along with Matt’s mum Debs, laced up their running shoes for the Silverstone Racetrack Challenge, taking on the 5k and 10k. Together, they raised an incredible £568 – an achievement made even more meaningful as they ran in memory of their close friend and colleague, Fitzy.
DHSC’s festive fundraising quiz
Colleagues at the Department of Health and Social Care hosted their very first Festive Fundraising Quiz. Teams battled it out for the coveted title of “brainiest team in DHSC” – all whilst raising vital funds. A fantastic effort by everyone involved – we’re already looking forward to next year’s quiz!
John’s 24-hour cycling challenge
John took his fundraising to the next level by completing the rugged 250k Capital Trail in 24 hours! Tackling steep climbs and remote paths, John pushed through exhaustion with the support of his family and friends – raising over £600 by the end of the epic ride.
Support your Civil Service Community
Thank you!
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!