Our mission is to provide financial aid to our members or their dependants during times of need. Coping with bereavement, illness, trauma, or any kind of sudden crisis can be overwhelming at times. We exist to support serving and retired police officers of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary through their most challenging experiences.
Newly widowed or surviving partners of fund members can apply for a grant of up to £6,000.
Orphans of fund members may receive an annual grant of £2,250 up to the age of 21 (when in full time education).
In emergencies, urgent grants of up to £3,000 can be authorised by the executive officers of the board of trustees, to be reported at the next full meeting of the board.
Grants can be issued to serving officers, retired officers, bereaved spouses and partners, and orphans in circumstances of specific financial need.
All grant decisions are subject to financial need assessment, and management committee approval.
Please note that the figures given are subject to regular review. If you have a question or need more information, please contact the fund administration team.
The fund receives no government funding, so we have to rely on the generosity and goodwill of police officers, and the communities they serve. Our grants are financed by member donations, sponsorship events, social functions, legacies, collection boxes, investment income, and public generosity. We extend our warmest gratitude to everyone who makes this fund possible.
The South West Police Compassionate Fund began life in 1968 as the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Widows, Orphans and Compassionate Fund. The fund consolidated three regional funds:
The Cornwall Constabulary Widows and Provident Fund, The Devon and Exeter Constabulary Widows, Orphans and Compassionate Fund, The Plymouth City Police Widows, Orphans, and Provident Fund
At the start of 2021 we updated our name to fit more accurately with the work we do, and gained Charitable Incorporated Organisation status with the charity commission (Reg No 1191281).
The fund operates within the rules of the charity commission.