ICMIF member Cirencester Friendly, the UK-based mutual income protection provider, has announced that its 125 Foundation awarded almost GBP 60,000 to more than 100 recipients in 2025, supporting members experiencing financial hardship as well as community projects and causes nominated by members.
The Foundation was established in 2015 to mark Cirencester Friendly’s 125th anniversary and has now paid out more than GBP 300,000 since its inception. The latest figures were announced at the society’s Annual General Meeting.
Through the 125 Foundation, Cirencester Friendly provides two types of awards: individual awards for members, or their family and friends, who are experiencing hardship and need financial help; and community awards for local projects and charities nominated by members.
In 2025, more than GBP 41,000 was paid out to over 70 members facing financial difficulties. Examples included support for a member who needed help to retrain for a new career after ill-health made it impossible to return to their previous job.
The Foundation also supported members going through extremely challenging circumstances, including a vulnerable member experiencing physical, mental and financial abuse, who received financial assistance through the 125 Foundation and emotional support through Cirencester Friendly’s Friendly Voice service, provided by RedArc.
The Foundation also awarded more than GBP 18,000 to over 30 community projects during the year. These included a GBP 2,500 award to the 1st Gorock Scouts towards replacing the heating in the building where the group meets, which also serves as a community warm space and blood donation station. Other recipients included Cirencester Food Bank, The Sepsis Trust and London and County’s Toy Drive for Bath’s Children’s Hospital.
Andy Morris, CEO of Cirencester Friendly, said: “The 125 Foundation really embodies the culture at Cirencester Friendly – going the extra mile to help our Members when they need us the most. The 125 Foundation is there for all Members who are experiencing financial difficulties, whether they are claimants or not, offering a tangible lifeline in the most vulnerable circumstances.
“These results coincide with the release of our annual report. I’m delighted to demonstrate that Cirencester Friendly remains a safe and financially resilient place for our Members to trust for their protection needs. Over the last year, the number of active Members increased by 6.5% and our Premium Income has reached record levels. This shows our plan for growth is bearing fruit and we are in a position to help even more people protect their everyday lives.”
