By Isle of Wight Observer
Wessex Cancer Trust has evolved its support services in response to Covid-19, but has told clients: “We’re still here for you.”
While its support centres are closed, the charity is live streaming therapy sessions, carrying out weekly calls for vulnerable clients, offering phone counselling, as well as providing extensive remote support via online articles, videos and a Facebook support group.
The charity has also set up a phone helpline from each of its centres, and, in just four days, helped more than 100 people with its online and telephone support. Meanwhile, Wessex Cancer Trust’s Daisy Bus services remain in operation, with increased precautions.
However, the financial effects of Covid-19 are hitting the charity hard, with a big drop in retail income from its charity shops and the cancellation or postponement of many of its fundraising activities and events. CEO Cait Allen said: “We exist to support thousands of local people at a time in their lives they most need it. Now, they need us more than ever.
“All of us are adjusting to a new way of living, but cancer doesn’t stop and you may be feeling particularly anxious and isolated if you have it. You might also be worried that your treatment is being delayed or that you’re at a higher risk of infection.
“Because we’ve had to temporarily close our support centres we’ve been working extremely hard to introduce new ways of helping as many existing and new clients as possible, but as a charity we’re in a vulnerable position.
“Almost all of our planned fundraising and events have been postponed or cancelled, our corporate friends are not at work to support our fundraising and we’ve closed our charity shops for the foreseeable future. These are worrying times for all of us and I would urge you to please continue supporting us if you can.”
To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/StillHereForYou
Visit https://www.wessexcancer.org.uk/remote-cancer-support for details of all the support available.
Press Release