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Laura's story

I initially trained as a chartered accountant and I spent several years working in the company's training division. 6 years ago I decided to take voluntary redundancy so I could focus on becoming a freelance coach and trainer. Now I work for myself delivering courses in business behaviour and personal effectiveness.

I knew I had made the right decision for my career but at the same time, self-employment by nature can be isolating. I had been through through a big transition in my personal life - ending a 20-year relationship just as my son left to go to university. I had less connection with others than when I had a staff role.

I decided to attend some of caba's courses to progress my professional development as well as to look after my own wellbeing. The courses were an excellent standard. They gave me new tools and techniques to enhance my training and coaching practice.

The Authentic Happiness course in particular was great for confirming the choices I was making. I also had 3 sessions of coaching with a career advisor. We spent time reviewing my strengths and determining how to build on my successes, which was motivating and gave me a real confidence boost. I felt very supported.

While I do find webinars, podcasts and books useful to expand my knowledge, I enjoyed the real world connection caba was able to provide. Knowing that caba are there for me personally and professional has meant a lot.

how caba can help

caba supports the wellbeing of past and present ICAEW members, ACA students, ICAEW staff members, and their spouses, partners and children up to the age of 25. For advice, information and support please:
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your questions answered 

Who is eligible for support?

We support past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), ACA students, ICAEW staff members, and the family and carers of members and students. 

  1. No matter where your career takes you, past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England Wales (ICAEW) are eligible for caba’s services for life, even if you change your career and leave accountancy 
  2. ACA students (ICAEW Provisional Members) who are either an active student or have been an active student within the last three years are eligible for caba's services 
  3. Past and present staff members of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's services for life, even if you leave either organisation. Please note, for former employees, our financial support is only available to those who have had five years continuous employment with either organisation 
  4. Family members and carers of either an eligible past or present ICAEW member, ACA student or past or present employee of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's support. We define a family member as a: 
    1. spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner 
    2. widow, widower or surviving civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    3. divorced spouse or civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    4. child aged up to 25. Please note, children aged between 16 and 25 are not eligible for individual financial support 
    5. any other person who is dependent on the eligible individual supporting them financially or are reliant on the eligible individual’s care 
    6. any other person on whom the eligible individual is reliant, either financially or for care 

You can find out more about our available support both in the UK and around the world on our support we offer page and by using our interactive eligibility tool. 

Are your services means-tested?

If you need financial support, we carry out a means test where we consider income, expenditure, capital and assets.  

*Please note none of our other services are means-tested. 

I’m an accountant, but not a member of ICAEW, can you still help?

Unfortunately not. We only support past and present ICAEW members, their carers and their families. If we are unable to support you, where possible we will point you to help elsewhere.

caba has supported me in the past; can I receive support from caba again?

We understand that circumstances change. If we’ve helped you in the past there’s no reason why we can’t help you again. You can contact us at any time. Please call us if you need our help.

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