Membership Hardship Fund
When our minds are focused on these concerns, we often can’t bring our best work to the people we’re working with and offer the same impact. We want to reassure you that we will continue to support you through this uncertain time through our range of membership benefits, events and wellbeing sessions.
Our members who successfully applied to the fund said:
This will make a huge difference. Many, many thanks.
Thank you so much for helping out your members, this is a wonderful and heart-warming idea.
Thank you and RCOT for supporting us OTs currently struggling.
I would like to sincerely thank you and the Royal College of Occupational Therapy as a whole, for granting me support through the Hardship Fund. I am deeply grateful not only for the assistance itself, but also for the kindness and understanding shown in listening to the difficulties that members face, then providing help when it’s required.
I’m so very proud of our profession, and receiving this good news has truly lifted my spirits, and brought a smile to my face this morning. Your support will make a meaningful difference to me over the coming year, and I very much appreciate the generosity and care you extend to your members.
Please remember that, as all RCOT/BAOT members are members of UNISON (except for those who are wholly self-employed or employed overseas), you can also access UNISON’s There for You service, which offers financial assistance for members experiencing a range of financial difficulties.
Our hardship fund
For our members who require additional support, we have established a fund to assist with professional membership costs. This fund is not means-tested and is used internally to reduce your membership fees for up to a year.
Applications for the 2025/26 fund have now closed.
The funding is limited, and the scheme ends when the fund's budget is met.
If you are accepted onto the hardship fund, it will come into effect from Wednesday 1 October 2025, when memberships renew.
If you wish to apply for the fund, please check that you are eligible.
If you have any questions about the fund, please feel free to get in touch with our Professional Advisory Service via hello@rcot.co.uk.