About MABSOF (Bereavement Support Fund)

Standing Together Through Life’s Most Difficult Moments

Losing a loved one is never easy. For families living in the UK and Europe, the emotional weight of bereavement is often made heavier by the rising cost of funerals and the high expense of repatriating a body to Cameroon.

 

To address these challenges, the Manyu Solidarity Group UK & Europe created the Manyu Bereavement Support Fund (MABSOF) — a member-funded initiative that ensures no family faces sorrow alone.


MABSOF provides swift, compassionate and practical support when it is needed most.

 

Why MABSOF Exists

MABSOF was founded to bring relief during one of life’s most painful experiences — the loss of a loved one.


Our community understands the cultural, emotional, and financial pressures families carry during bereavement, especially those living far from home.

 

The Fund was created because:

  • Funeral costs in the UK and Europe are extremely high.

  • Repatriating a body to Cameroon places a heavy financial burden on families.

  • It is Manyu tradition to stand with one another during bereavement.

  • Our diaspora community deserves structured, reliable, and dignified support.

 

MABSOF is not an investment scheme or a replacement for life insurance — it is a solidarity fund, built by our community, for our community.

What MABSOF Provides

When a loved one passes away, families often face unexpected emotional and financial pressures.

MABSOF steps in immediately — offering compassionate guidance, rapid financial assistance, and practical help to ensure no family walks through grief alone.

Financial Support

£10,000 Bereavement Payment

MABSOF pays £10,000 directly to the nominated beneficiary, helping families manage funeral costs or repatriation with dignity during a difficult time.

Fast Processing

Paid Within 14–21 Days

Once eligibility is confirmed and documents received, payments are made within 14–21 days, easing urgent financial pressure when families need support most.

Family Guidance

Dedicated Support Officer

Our Family Support Officer reaches out promptly to offer compassionate guidance, coordinate community assistance, and ensure no family faces sorrow alone.

Practical Assistance

Help With Arrangements

We provide advice on repatriation, funeral planning, UK public support options, and community resources to help families make informed decisions.

Who Can Join MABSOF?

Individuals of
Manyu origin

Membership is open to all adults (21+) of Manyu heritage living in the UK or eligible European countries.

Connected through family or home

Those married into Manyu families or living within Manyu communities are fully eligible to join.

Supporters of our community

Friends and well-wishers who believe in our mission and values are welcome to become members.

12-month
residency + bylaws

Applicants must have lived in the UK or Europe for 12 continuous months and agree to the Fund’s bylaws.

Why Membership Matters

MABSOF membership doesn’t stop at bereavement support. It connects you to the wider life of the Manyu Solidarity Group UK & Europe — from networking and professional development to cultural events, family activities, and language and heritage initiatives. By joining, you become part of a community that supports one another across the UK and Europe, strengthens our shared identity, and drives collective progress for current and future generations.

Because No Family Should Face Grief Alone

MABSOF represents the heart of the Manyu community — unity, responsibility, and the belief that compassion should always be practical.

Through shared contributions, we lift each other up when it matters most.

Clear Answers to Help You Understand the Fund

Here you’ll find straightforward answers to the most common questions about the Manyu Bereavement Support Fund (MABSOF) — from eligibility and membership requirements to benefits, payments, and how the Fund operates. If you need more support, our Board is always available to guide you.

No. MABSOF is not an insurance policy and should never replace a suitable life insurance or funeral plan. The Board strongly advises every member to maintain their own financial protection in addition to their MABSOF membership.

A one-off, non-refundable registration fee of £40 is payable upon joining.
There are no monthly meetings and no mandatory monthly subscriptions — only event-triggered contributions as outlined in the bylaws.

Yes. Registration into the Manyu Solidarity Group UK & Europe includes registration into MABSOF.

Membership is open to individuals who:

  • Are of Manyu heritage, OR connected to Manyu by marriage or residency

  • Are 21 years or older

  • Have lived in the UK or eligible European countries for at least 12 continuous months

  • Agree to abide by the Fund’s bylaws

Members receive:

  • £10,000 paid to the nominated beneficiary following a member’s confirmed passing

  • Support from the Family Support Officer

  • Guidance on funeral arrangements, repatriation, and public support
    Benefits become active 180 days after registration, provided all financial obligations are fulfilled.

Once eligibility is confirmed and the death certificate is received, MABSOF will pay £10,000 within 14–21 days.

The nominated beneficiary must notify any Board member as soon as possible and provide the official death certificate. The Board will then verify eligibility before processing payment.

No. MABSOF is completely independent of all MECA and village meetings.
However, it complements — not replaces — every Manyu cultural group and community association.

No. There are no mandatory monthly meetings.
Updates are provided via email and SMS.
The Annual General Meeting is held online via Zoom.

Yes — if you are associated with Manyu through marriage, residency, or meaningful community ties, and you agree to the bylaws, you are welcome to register.

Failure to meet financial obligations or attempting to defraud the Fund may result in loss of membership, with no refund of previous contributions.
A former member may reapply only with Board approval.

Yes. Membership is voluntary and can be ended at any time by notifying the Board.
However, all registration fees and contributions are non-refundable.