How Our Charity Partners Are Supporting People During The COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way we live in a way none of us could have imagined just 18 months ago. Lives, businesses and health have been affected hugely by long periods of lockdown, isolation and anxiety.
With community more important than ever, it’s fantastic to see many of you, the runners, and our charities, doing their upmost to keep the community running. What have some of our official charities doing to help during the COVID-19 pandemic?
NSPCC
The last year has been difficult. And as we have all struggled with different aspects of this pandemic, it is children who have undoubtedly borne the hidden cost of the crisis. Sadly, the NSPCC know that social distancing restrictions and lockdowns have increased the risk of child abuse and neglect.
Young people have told the NSPCC how isolation or tensions at home have put them at risk. Many feel trapped in abusive households, without the escape of school, friends or extended family. The stories we are hearing are reflected in tragic figures recently released by the Department for Education. Between April and September, the number of serious incidents involving children, including serious harm and death, rose by 27% compared to the same period in 2019. Alarmingly, the largest increase was amongst the youngest children.
But when young people have needed us the most, steadfast generosity from people like you have meant that the NSPCC could be here for children during what has been for many, the toughest year of their lives.
Since April 2020 we have been able to hold over 170,000 Childline counselling sessions, reach more than 4,000 children and adults through our direct services, and launch a virtual Speak out. Stay safe. assembly that has streamed over 100,000 times.
British Heart Foundation
Those who have heart conditions are at increased risk of more severe complications of Covid-19, especially those over 60. The British Heart Foundation have put together a Coronavirus Support hub, which provides information and guidance for people suffering from a heart or circulatory condition, and their loved ones.
As well as their support hub, the BHF have a whole host of other useful resources available on their website, including hospital and appointment delay info, support for the easing of lockdown, and a latest news section on COVID-19, covering a whole range of topics from drug complications to whether you can catch COVID twice.
You can help support them and keep creating useful information by joining their Cardiff Half team (Entry fee: £10, Fundraising target: £250) here.
Mind
Mental health is essential during periods of lockdown, and Mind have launched a whole host of useful resources and appeals to help during the pandemic. Help Mind be there for everyone who needs help during this crucial time.
They’ve also added a whole section of resources to their website.
If you’d like to be a part of Mind’s team for the Cardiff Half, you can register as an own-place runner here. Mind’s Charity places have unfortunately sold out.
Shelter Cymru
The one message we have all heard loud and clear over the last year is “Stay Home”. But what if that home is at risk, or if you just don’t have one? Since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak, Shelter Cynry have continued to offer free support services to people facing or experiencing homelessness. 75% of households in Wales have reported a drop in income due to the current crisis, placing more people than ever at risk of losing their safe place of refuge – their home.
Their team has seen a dramatic rise in the number of households coming to them for help since the pandemic began – during the first three months of lockdown, calls to their helpline more than doubled. Unfortunately, this won’t end when lockdown is eased. Unavoidable financial hardship will mean that more people will find themselves evicted into temporary accommodation, seeking shelter with friends or family, or sleeping on the streets.
Shelter Cymru has had a vital role to play in the toughest of times, providing the support that no-one else can. It’s vital that their work continues. They can only do this with your support.
Join their team (Entry fee: £10, Fundraising target: £200) here.
Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society have continued to support people affected by dementia throughout the coronavirus crisis. The funds raised by our Cardiff Half Marathon participants will mean they can continue to support those who need us most:
The change to daily life for people living with dementia, and their carers, during the pandemic has been huge. To combat the loneliness that this has caused, in 2020 we launched Companion Calls. This service has now seen trained volunteers make over 54,000 regular phone calls to check in and have a chat to combat loneliness.
Kevin’s story: https://youtu.be/sHZironpM7w
Many older carers and people with dementia are at a higher risk from Coronavirus. Alzheimer’s Society have been hard at work providing specialist advice on how to stay safe at home, after a hospital visit and in care homes. Their report in 2020, Worst hit: dementia during coronavirus, shone a spotlight on the impacts of the pandemic on people living with dementia and the chronically underfunded social care system. They are campaigning to make sure people living with dementia are prioritised.
Join their team (Entry fee: £10, Fundraising target: £250) here.
