Local charity UNITED in H&F and Hammersmith & Fulham Council have joined up again to launch a new Winter COVID Appeal to help continue to support those most at risk.
The partnership has proved a lifeline for local frontline projects assisting residents in need during the pandemic and is redoubling its efforts as winter starts to bite.
In the first months of the coronavirus crisis, UNITED raised more than £100,000 in donations to help voluntary groups maintain services directly benefiting H&F residents.
Now it needs further backing to sustain those efforts through the coldest months of the year.
“We want to do everything we can to prevent an even worse disaster locally; that’s why we’ve launched a second appeal,” explained Savraj Kaur, charity director. “The winter is going to be a special challenge for those in difficulty as a result of the pandemic’s effects.”
Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader at H&F Council, underlined the need for donations, large or small. “The UNITED charity has played a key role in enabling us to support so many organisations which offer vital help to our residents most in need,” she said. “It’s a way we can all do our bit to protect those least able to cope.”
Compassion
Residents and companies in the borough have demonstrated remarkable levels of compassion and generosity in the battle to keep at-risk groups safe, fed and well. Now, as virus infection rates rise and a new four-week lockdown starts, the role of community groups comes into focus once again.
“Many still need our help, including those people going through mental health crises, suffering from loneliness and isolation, and at-risk children in need of educational support,” added Savraj.
UNITED in H&F’s Winter COVID Appeal will channel funding directly to the local volunteers and organisations providing frontline support.
You can give any amount online today.
For fundraising advice, or for details on larger transfers of gifts, email team@unitedhf.org
If you know someone who needs urgent support with food, loneliness or isolation, or are worried about a friend, neighbour or relative, call H&F CAN Network on freephone 0800 145 6095, 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, or 10am-2pm Sat. Or email: can@lbhf.gov.uk
Donations
Hammersmith & Fulham groups to benefit from earlier donations to UNITED range from young carers’ support groups to projects addressing period poverty.
Here are many of the local schemes that benefitted:
