Vandana's story


I've lived in India for over 25 years, since moving from the UK. Although my parents are from India, I live in a city where I don't have any direct relatives or family support. After going through a divorce, my kids were settled and happy in their school, I didn't want to uproot them to another city or back to the UK. I had also exited my business so I could spend more time with my children. But I was stuck at a cross roads and constantly worried about what I would do next.


A call with caba made me realise I was not alone. caba is not just for people who are going through major life problems. It is also for people like you and me, who have everyday challenges or specific issues they need support with. When I explained that I was a little lost with life and wanted to get back into work, caba arranged some sessions with a coach, to help me think through my next stage of career whilst balancing the needs of my children.

how caba helped me

Caroline, my career coach was amazing. She had been in a very similar position and she coached me to create a new future for myself. She also helped me to understand that it would take time. As a Chartered Accountant, I am used to immediate results, but working on yourself is an infinite game. caba kept checking in to ensure the sessions were going well and even agreed to extend two sessions to help me reach a point where I was ready to take it on myself.

I've also turned to caba when I needed someone to talk to when I was struggling to care for my parents. They are in their eighties and they spend a lot of time with me. They don't mean to be, but they can be quite difficult. My mother has early onset Parkinson's and an eye problem. Both my parents have hearing problems. caba arranged a counsellor who helped me with practical steps on how I could support my parents as well as look after my own wellbeing. My counsellor spotted a childhood trauma that needed to be dealt with. The process nursed me back to positive mental health and a good relationship with my parents.

I'm where I want to be and everything is on track. I'm very grateful to caba for providing me with a shoulder to cry on, supporting me to make decisions, pull it all together and helping me learn from my experiences.

are you eligible for caba's services?

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. Our support is free, impartial and strictly confidential. For advice, information and support please click on the button below.

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find out more about our career advice services

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You can access our self-help content for career advice

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we offer a range of training and events that can help your career

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training and events

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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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