COUNTY charities are appealing for help to get them through the second lockdown as they report an increased demand for their services.
After fundraising events were forced to be cancelled and the damage of the first lockdown, charities again need support to survive and thrive during this period.
June Patel, chief executive of St Richard’s Hospice, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has presented us, those we support, and the charity sector as a whole with many challenges.
“We have adapted our services, with many now delivered virtually over the phone or by video call, to ensure we can carry on caring safely.
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"During this second lockdown we continue to care for patients and their loved ones, in line with guidelines from the government and NHS.
"Our charity shops, cafe, and donations stations have temporarily closed once again during lockdown. The pandemic has also restricted our ability to hold our fundraising events in the usual way. The fundraising climate is challenging, however we have been heartened by the generous support of our community through the pandemic.
"Despite this, we continue to need help to fund our care for the future. If anyone feels able to make a donation towards our services, they can do so on our website strichards.org.uk/donate. We send our heartfelt thanks to all those who support us to continue caring through these difficult times.”
Magda Praill, chief operating officer of Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “We are working harder than ever to support older members of our communities as safely as possible during this second lockdown.
"We are seeing an increased demand for our services, especially telephone befriending support, the companion line.
"We would encourage anyone who thinks they might benefit from some support to get in touch with us."
Anyone interested in volunteering or who wants to make a donation can support the branch by calling 0800 008 6077.
And Age UK Worcester and District’s chief executive officer, Clare Thomas, said: “Since the first lockdown the level of calls and requests for help that Age UK Worcester is receiving has not decreased - especially from older people finding the ongoing situation very difficult.
"This second lockdown has made people’s anxiety even worse. As a result we have scaled up our key services, particularly those such as befriending which support those who are isolated and lonely. We have also introduced specialist services such as companion support for those who are bereaved.
"Over the coming weeks we will also be looking at how we can help people who will find Christmas especially hard – for example we would love to be able to deliver activity packages which will bring a little cheer.
"At the same time we have had to shut our five charity shops – the main source of our income."
Anyone who can volunteer or make a donation is asked to visit ageuk.org.uk/worcesteranddistrict, or call 01905 724294.
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