Our impact
The Serco People Fund was established in the UK in December 2021, launching as an independent Charity to help support current and retired Serco colleagues, and their close family, in times of extraordinary financial hardship. Since its launch, the Serco People Fund has donated over £200,000.00 in financial grants, whilst expanding its scope to Australia and the UAE. The Serco People Fund North America was also launched in March 2023 and is currently available to all current, future, and retired Serco colleagues in America. The information on this page demonstrates how we have already helped people within the Serco community, and how we could potentially help and support you.
If you are still unsure of whether you should apply we would encourage you to make an application so that this can be reviewed. We appreciate that everyone's circumstances vary and we would rather that you reached out for assistance so that we can assess if support is available to you.
"Now I know there are people who will help you"
Andrew, a Serco colleague, helped his wife's sisters and young nephews escape Ukraine following the invasion of Russia. 'We brought them here to live with us. All they had was emergency clothing and one bag of nappies. We shared all we could and asked neighbours for spare clothes and mattresses.'
Andrew was unable to receive financial support through other applicable schemes so reached out to the Serco People Fund in the hope of financial support. 'Hard experience has taught me to assume help is not coming. I had to read the confirmation email several times before I understood what I was seeing. Now I know that there are people who will help you, for no other reason than because they want to help you.' Andrew was able to buy new beds, wardrobes and other essential household items so that his relatives stay could be made more comfortable during a time of extraordinary need.
"Thank you to the whole Serco People Fund team"
Anthony, a Serco colleague, needed to travel to his native country of Nigeria to visit his Mother who had sadly developed a terminal illness. “I had no savings to use to purchase flight tickets. I wanted to see my Mother so desperately, so I applied to the Serco People Fund to see if they could support me.”
The Serco People Fund were happy to assist Anthony during this time. “My Mother was so pleased to see me; thank you to the whole Serco People Fund team for making my travel possible at a very difficult time”.
"They've been so kind and helpful"
Melanie, a Serco colleague, was struggling financially after escaping from a highly abusive relationship in which her ex-partner had amassed huge debts in her name. "I had no idea how much I needed help. He took everything from me, I thought it would hang around my neck forever. The Serco People Fund has helped me see how important it is to open up to help and support - It's part of how you heal."
With help from the Serco People fund, Melanie has cleared her immediate financial challenges, giving her a fresh start. Melanie says this experience of compassion and care has helped restore her faith in humanity: "They've been so kind and helpful - taking the time to talk to me about my situation, asking lots of supportive questions."
When Dave and Lianne’s house was flooded during the winter storms they were evacuated with their three children to an emergency shelter. Their home was uninhabitable for 6 weeks and a lot of their belongings were lost. This is an example of where the Serco People Fund would pay for toys for the children and wireless mobile costs so that the family could stay entertained and connected with their wider family during the weeks in the bed and breakfast. This would help to make a difficult and stressful situation just a little bit easier for the whole family.
*This is an example of how we could help*
When Erin and Sarah were forced to evacuate their home in Victoria, during the Australian bushfires of 2019, all they escaped with was a few possessions that they could fit into their car. This is an example of where the Serco People Fund would contribute towards new furniture and other costs for their temporary flat in Melbourne, to make it easier for the family to settle safely while they decided where to live more permanently.
*This is an example of how we could help*
"This will give her so much confidence and an amazing memory"
Sue, a Serco colleague, wanted to send her daughter to the World Scout Jamboree 2023 in South Korea following a successful outcome on her application. Unable to afford the costs associated with this, Sue decided to reach out to the Serco People Fund after seeing a poster at work. 'I wasn't sure if it was something that the Fund would consider. We were raising £4000 to go on this trip and through fundraising events such as Quiz nights and cake Sales. I thought I would see if the Serco People Fund could help.'
The Serco People Fund were happy to help with the financial struggle that came with this extraordinary opportunity. 'My daughter is on a 2 year journey now, from going through an application process of thousands of people, a selection day and training camps. This will give her so much confidence, many skills and an amazing memory. Part of the money raised is donated to poor countries so that Scouts from all over the world can attend and experience the same adventure.' Sue's daughter is now preparing for the 'once in a lift time trip' and we wish her the best of luck.
David’s son Charles, at home in Jamaica, achieved the maximum grade possible for his Advanced A levels and was awarded a place at university in Miami. While Charles qualified for a part-scholarship, he did not have funds for travel or for text books. This is an example of where the Serco People Fund would pay towards his travel costs and text books so that he could start his course both confidently and successfully.
*This is an example if how we could help*
"I was blown away when they said yes"
Mary, a Serco colleague, has a rare, life-limiting heart condition which risks fainting, seizures and sudden death in response to stress and adrenaline. Her parents, siblings and even her children suffer from it, and they feared for her first grandchild who was due to be born. Mary reached out to the Serco People Fund, asking for financial support to purchase a mobile defibrillator. The Serco People Fund were happy to support these extraordinary circumstances.
"The Serco People Fund has given us our lives back. It's given us freedom. We can go on holiday, even just go for a walk, without worrying that we wont come back. We can live without fear.'" Mary did not expect anything to come of her application: "I was blown away when they said yes. It would have taken us so long to save the money ourselves - if we'd ever been able to."
"We were delighted we received the donation"
John, a Serco colleague, and his family were raising funds to purchase a bionic arm for his 12-year-old niece who was born without a left hand. “We needed to raise £8,500.00 and started a Gofundme page. Alisha had always found it difficult to fit in and do everyday tasks that others take for granted. The whole family wanted this so much to improve her standard of living.”
John reached out to the Serco People Fund and we were only happy to donate to this amazing cause. “We were delighted we received the donation and along with the other support we received, we were able to purchase the bionic arm. Alisha is now learning how to use a knife and fork and hold things with 2 hands, which is amazing.”
Apply for support
We all need some extra help sometimes. To apply for Serco People Fund support, please click below.
APPLY FOR SUPPORT