caba is the charity exclusively for ACA students and ICAEW members, offering advice and support for your mental and physical wellbeing, financial health and more. Find out how it can help you now, and as you progress in your career.
1. Tailored support for you
As an ACA student, you are automatically entitled to free and confidential advice from caba - the occupational charity that supports the global ICAEW community. Founded in 1886, caba was originally set up to help people in the profession who were struggling financially, but today it provides support in all kinds of areas, from physical and mental wellbeing to career and legal advice. Each year, the charity provides support to more than 45,000 people on average, and makes more than 300 financial grants or donations.
Resources include training and events, toolkits and self-help guides – including a dedicated ACA student hub – that give you the tools to manage everyday challenges. For more exceptional issues, there is more detailed and tailored support available, such as professional counselling, career coaching, and debt and legal advice. While caba is only for ACA students and members, it’s independent from ICAEW, so anything you discuss will be in complete confidence.
Our vision is that everyone in the ICAEW community can fully participate in life, whether they’re training for their career, starting their career, developing it, changing it or coming to retirement
2. Mental and physical health
Mental health is a key area of focus for caba, with referrals for its counselling service increasing by 190% over five years. For students, this might be challenges such as authenticity in the workplace, managing stress and burnout, or dealing with exam pressure and failure. It’s not all about work and study, though: help is available for any emotional or psychological difficulties, whether that’s coping with anxiety and depression, grief and trauma, addiction, eating disorders, neurodivergence or relationship problems.
caba works with professional partners such as Relate and Qwell to provide free access to their expert support services, as well as arranging one-to-one counselling where needed. There’s also advice on physical health, and the importance of diet, exercise and sleep for keeping body and brain healthy.
Balancing work while studying for exams can be stressful, let alone whatever else you might be going through in your personal or professional life… Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness
3. Financial health
Starting out in your career can be a tricky time financially: you may be repaying student debts alongside managing everyday household and living expenditure. caba provides practical and emotional support on everything from personal budgeting to managing debt. The Cash Conversation hub has handy online financial tools, such as a budget planner and savings and pensions calculators, along with guidance on which benefits and grants you may be entitled to.
You may also be eligible for direct financial support from the charity, such as a one-off energy cost payment, help with essential living expenses or reduced ICAEW fees. If you’re struggling with debt, a specialist adviser can help you to get on top of it, setting up realistic budgets and repayment plans, and even negotiating with creditors on your behalf.
Financial difficulties can impact anyone, leaving you feeling worried, overwhelmed and maybe even ashamed. But you’re not alone
4. Career advice
caba offers practical advice and support for every stage in your career. Its free professional skills webinars and e-learning courses are a great place to start, especially the hour-long ‘Espresso’ lunchtime sessions (upcoming topics include ‘Top tips for being more assertive at work’, ‘Persuasion and influencing skills’ and ‘Make a memorable first impression’). More in-depth learning is also on offer with three-hour enhanced webinars (such as ‘Emotional intelligence for success’ and ‘How to multitask effectively’), and a series of e-learning courses that you can work through at your own pace.
For more personalised support, the charity can set you up with a qualified career coach to help with aspects such as writing your CV and LinkedIn profile, and preparing for interviews. As you progress in your career, ongoing support is available for navigating challenges such as coping with redundancy, managing your work/life balance or finding a new role.
We’re here for ACA students, ICAEW members and close family dependents with a helping hand when things get in the way or they’re too overwhelming to handle alone, however big or small, everyday or exceptional
5. Support whenever you need it
caba is there for you throughout your career – and, once you become a qualified ICAEW member, close family members are entitled to the same support. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for on the website, reach out via chat, email or phone on 01788 556 366.
If you have a legal query, whether it’s a question about a tenancy agreement or employment contract, understanding your consumer rights, or challenging a parking ticket, you can also access free independent legal advice over the phone from Law Express.
We’re here to support your mental, physical and financial health, and with advice for your career. So, if you or your immediate family need somebody to lean on, we’ll help lighten the load
Read real-life stories about how caba has helped people.
