'A CHARITIES WORK THROUGHOUT A PANDEMIC... HOW CAN YOU HELP?'

'Give a little, help a lot.'

Before I start my new series 'Love in Lockdown', sharing stories of how others are selflessly helping others throughout this time, I thought I would share how I am doing the same, the work of charities and how we can all do our bit to help out.

Coronavirus has no doubt impacted all of our lives, from a change of routine, experiencing anxiety, rules and regulations, unemployment, fighting over toilet roll and pasta, lockdowns, and lack of communication and freedom. We are all experiencing our own personal challenges amongst this unexpected global storm.

It's during these times that both caring for ourselves and others is more than essential for both physical and mental health. Checking in on ourselves of course, but also giving what we can to others. That's where the glorious work of charities is to be recognised. Although there are multiple larger charities here in the UK, (Macmillan Cancer Support, British Heart Foundation, St John Ambulance, Cancer Research, Great Ormond Street Hospital, RNLI Lifeboats, Alzheimer's Research, Guide Dogs... the list could go on) whose work is to also be appreciated, there are many that are directly providing vital support previously and presently throughout this pandemic. Whether it be charities supporting food banks, mental health, the vulnerable and elderly, homeless shelters or domestic abuse, there are many that we can support to ensure we are supporting others that may require assistance during this time.

'Many charities and organisations that rely on public donations in order to continue to run, are struggling more than ever due to the current circumstances'.

There are various ways you can get involved in supporting a charity and its work, from volunteering to donating, to small acts of kindness. As we all fight to cope and work through this difficult time, we can do our little bit to help those in need to. Most charities are staffed with volunteers, selfless and protecting, they may be suffering as a result of the pandemic to but they continue to fight to help others nonetheless. Heroes like 'Captain Tom Moore' who raised over £28 million for the NHS. It's inspiring and displays how we can all strive to help a little. Although there are many that are doing incredible work, I have listed some below and how you can support to keep their crucial work going.

1) 'SHELTER'... my 'BIG WALK' & BEAM (Homelessness Charity)
Shelter is a charity that helps to fight homelessness and those without homes or shelter. Their work helps to pay for advice, sessions, consultations and advice for those in need. You can donate to be part of the much needed support, they are also doing 'THE BIG WALK' on the 10th of December. You can sign up to do 3K, 5K or 10K and raise money for the charity. I will be walking on the 13th of December and you can kindly donate if you wish to via this link: https://thebigwalk.shelter.org.uk/fundraising/danielles-the-big-walk. Sign up yourself: https://thebigwalk.shelter.org.ukthebigwalk.shelter.org.uk and their website: https://www.shelter.org.uk/

BEAM is also a charity that is working to tackle homelessness. They crowd fund new opportunities for the homeless, supply job training and allow you to follow their journey into work. When donating there is also the option of leaving a message of encouragement for the individual to read. During the pandemic, they have focused on supporting the homeless get into roles and jobs that are particularly in demand eg. carers and warehouse operators. They also began a new campaign 'FUND A FUTURE' which highlights those job areas that are in the most need of support and workers, they then help the homeless to enter these roles and give those struggling a chance. You can donate to help fund campaigns and opportunities as well as fundraise and get involved. Website: https://beam.org/

2) 'FARESHARE' & 'TRUSSELL TRUST' (Food Bank Charities)
These charities are both fighting food poverty, hunger and helping to provide food to those who need it. Due to the pandemic, those in need and struggling to feed themselves has risen. FARESHARE redistributes good quality surplus food to charities across the UK whether it be waste food from companies or individual homes, they deliver to food banks, community groups, schemes and schools. You can help by giving at your local food bank, or donating to provide support groups, nutritious meals to schools or homes and specialists to visit families. They're also in partnerships with Waitrose and John Lewis, you can text 'LOVE' to 70630 to donate £3 and they will match the donation and divide equally between FARESHARE and HOMESTARTUK.  Website: https://fareshare.org.uk/

TRUSSELL TRUST supports food banks nationwide. Their plan is to help fight poverty until we no longer live in a world that requires food banks, but until then we can support them and their work. You can also donate money, fundraise or volunteer to help them, or alternatively donate food. You can do this directly at your local food bank which you can find via their website, OR at collection points in local supermarkets, (something my family have been doing). They are partnered with Tesco, ASDA and Waitrose, you can purchase some extra items on your shop and just drop them in the collection point which is usually at the front of the supermarket. A few cans, biscuits or hygiene products... an extra £3 on your shop can go a long way to helping others and food banks. Website: https://www.trusselltrust.org/

3) 'CRISIS AID' & 'FEEDING BRITAIN' (Poverty and hunger)
Crisis aid is a humanitarian aid organisation, which provides relief of poverty and support in times of crisis. They provide food, medication, shelter, education and other urgent needs for displaced people and refugees around the world. They're producing food boxes filled with essential items to help those who are struggling during this outbreak. They are continuing this support throughout this pandemic, and you can help to by donating, volunteering or fundraising. Website: https://www.crisisaid.org.uk/

'FEEDING BRITAIN' is a charity fighting hunger. They work with food banks, community food organisations, politicians and companies, to make sure it becomes something of the past. Supporting in the present and fighting to change the future. They're running an emergency food programme during this pandemic to protect individuals and families from hunger. You can volunteer, research, write for them, fundraise, or donate and all can be found on their website: https://feedingbritain.org/

4) 'COMPLIMENTS ON THE HOUSE' (Poverty and hunger)
This is a small London based charity that redistributes surplus food from supermarkets and restaurants to those in need such as the homeless, those sleeping on the streets or struggling to feed themselves. It was created by Sinead Browne, who grew up in foster care and then experienced homelessness herself. She managed to train as a lawyer with a Scholarship, but soon put all her efforts into setting up this charity. Due to Covid19 and shops and restaurants closing down, it has had to close its hubs doors. HOWEVER, they are still redistributing food, but buying it themselves rather than collecting surplus from elsewhere. They are delivering food packages to the vulnerable every fortnight. You can help by donating or giving any spare or tinned food. Their website: https://complimentsofthehouse.org/ and their JUSTGIVING Page: https://www.justgiving.com/complimentsofthehouse

5) 'AGE UK' & 'REENGAGE' (Supporting the elderly)
These charities are both supporting the elderly in our communities, providing companionship, advice, healthcare, wellbeing, research and support. This is particularly crucial at the moment when in lockdown due to the potential of feeling isolated and low. You can support AGEUK and the elderly through donating to help the charity answer more calls, provide adequate support, advice and company to those who need it, fundraise, volunteer or even become a digital or neighbourly buddy. Their advice line is available from 8am-7pm. Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/

REENGAGE is committed to helping older people be heard, valued and engaged with. They help to provide social circles when or if their social life is decreasing. Due to Covid19, their social gatherings have stopped, but they have continued 'CALL COMPANIONS' which is a telephone support service, weekly calls that ensure the elderly, those living alone or in sheltered housing and experiencing loneliness, are contacted and remain in communication. They aim to continue this even when social gatherings are back running. You can donate or become a call companion via their website: https://www.reengage.org.uk/

6) 'BEAUTY BANKS' & SUFRA (Poverty and hygiene)
They help people and families in Britain in such poverty that they cannot afford to purchase toiletries and stay clean. They're just like a food bank, but supply personal care and hygiene essentials instead of food. They redistribute unused toiletries such as toilet roll, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, sanitary products, shower gel and shampoo. You can volunteer to become a Beauty Banker and spread awareness and support, donate money or donate products. They work in partnership with Superdrug, and you can find your local drop off point on their website: https://www.beautybanks.org.uk/

SUFRA is a food bank and kitchen in North London, they have launched their own Covid Emergency Appeal. Every £10 donated provides an emergency food parcel to someone who requires it, and £50 supplies food to feed a family of four. The parcel includes food as well as essentials for babies such as nappies, milk and baby food. Pre-Covid they served a 3 course meal every Friday at their community kitchen for all to enjoy regardless of circumstances, and also supplied food academies. They provide advice, refugee support and a foodbank which has continued through Coronavirus. Their collection days are Tuesday and Thursday 11am-3pm and you can donate money or food to the food bank. Website: https://www.sufra-nwlondon.org.uk/

7) MIND (Mental Health Charity)
This is a charity that supports the care of ones mental health, even more prevalent due to the current circumstances when our mental health is truly being tested globally, its charities like these that ensure we have support and care around us even when we feel we don't or we are struggling. In lockdown and isolation many are struggling and in donating to MIND you can help supply help to those that need it, answering calls, supplying advice or information, or even online peer support and communities to ensure loneliness and unnecessary suffering is combated. MIND have a helpline 9am-6pm Monday to Friday (0300 123 3393) and also an online peer support service previously named 'ELEFRIENDS', recently changed to 'SIDE BY SIDE'. This is an online community where individuals can discuss their mental health and remain communicating, sharing, listening and being heard and it's available 24/7. They also have lots on their website regarding how to support your own mental health or be there for someone you care about who may be struggling. You can donate to MIND, become a volunteer, campaigner or fundraise to support. Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/

8) NHS CHARITIES TOGETHER (NHS)
This is a charity that champions the work of NHS' official charities, and supports NHS Staff and volunteers caring for Covid patients. NHS Charities give to the NHS to provide the vital funds to ensure the NHS continues and can do more. They also provide guidance, advice and support via visit, phone call or email. You can help by becoming a member, donating or fundraising, particularly at the moment for the NHS Covid Urgent Appeal. The staff are working tirelessly and are there to support us, lets do what we can to support them. Website: https://www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk/

9) 'MAKE 2NDs COUNT' (Cancer and Treatment)
This is a charity dedicated to helping anyone who is currently living with secondary breast cancer. They strive to raise awareness and funds to contribute to further medical research and increased quality of life for patients. They have launched a 'Covid Hardship Fund' which is providing financial grants for patients who may be struggling to put food on the table, pay bills or purchase necessities. Patients can also take part in weekly 'tea and chat' zoom calls to continue communication through lockdown. You can support, donate, volunteer and fundraise, to help supply resources to those diagnosed- chemo boxes, support programmes, tea and chats and treatment support. Website: https://www.make2ndscount.co.uk/

10) 'SAVE LIVES' & 'REFUGE' (Domestic Violence)
These charities help to end domestic abuse, providing support and increasing safety for those who may be affected. Unfortunately lockdown has resulted in a surge of domestic violence and these charities are here to help. They both provide constant support, guidance and advice and during Covid, SAVE LIVES have online support and helplines available, resources online and their service 'Reach In' which supplies tips and guidance on how to help others from behind closed doors. Website: https://safelives.org.uk/

'REFUGE' supports any victim, running refuges, offering independent advocacy and helps to rebuild lives. They also run a 24 hour helpline and its public support, donations and fundraising that allows this work to continue and be available for those in need at any time, but specifically right now during this pandemic. Website: https://www.refuge.org.uk/

'CHILDREN IN NEED'
Lastly, I would like to mention 'Children in Need', a BBC charity whose annual appeal aired on the BBC last Friday, the 13th of November. They support children and young affected by poverty, disability, illness, distress, trauma, mental health, violence, sexual exploitation, social injustice and more. Although the annual show and appeal encourages us to donate, purchase Pudsey ears and volunteer at this time of year, you can donate and support the charity all year round! Website: https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/

Support in any way that you can. Every little counts and can go a long way. Let's continue to look after ourselves and others x