News on what the sector is doing to cope with the pandemic
Star studded single for coronavirus charity
Radio 1 has announced a charity single to benefit coronavirus relief, performed by 23 major pop stars. The cover of Foo Fighters’ Times Like These, using “phones, pots, pans and acoustic guitars”, according to producer Fraser T Smith, features artists spanning pop, rock, rap, soul, dancehall and R&B, including Dua Lipa, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Rita Ora and Ellie Goulding. It will be released as a single, with profits from UK streams and downloads going to Children in Need and Comic Relief to help British people affected by the coronavirus crisis. Profits from international listeners will go to the World Health Organization’s Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Smith, known for his production work with Adele, Stormzy and Dave, said it was humbling to work on the song.
Men struggling with mental health during lockdown
A Scottish mental health charity has seen a huge surge in app downloads - as stressed Scots seek help during the coronavirus lockdown.The Brothers In Arms apps allow men and women to get help from trained professionals, anonymously, from the comfort of their own homes - despite the restrictions brought in to stop the spread of deadly COVID-19. The Glasgow-based organisation was established in 2017 by Dan Proverbs, after his own battles with poor mental health and suicidal thoughts. The group says the pandemic means it is more important than ever for people to look after their mental wellbeing - and have access to facilities that support them while staying safe at home. The charity provides advice, support and access to therapists digitally, through instant messaging via it’s app, which can be downloaded from theBrothers In Arms website or Facebook page, for free in Scotland.
Virtual exercising goes live today
Parkinson’s UK is launching a series of online exercise classes and is calling for those affected by the condition to get themselves - and their families and friends - involved. Exercise can be as important as medication to help people with Parkinson’s to manage their symptoms, but because of the coronavirus pandemic nearly 2,000 Parkinson’s face-to-face exercise programmes across the UK that would have taken place in the next three months have been cancelled. This includes hundreds of exercise sessions in communities across Scotland, from Shetland to the Borders. The charity is moving online, and offering several different exercise sessions a week, streamed on the charity’s Facebook page and on Youtube. The idea behind the new course is to help people continue to manage their symptoms through gentle exercise at the time when more people than ever need support and may be feeling isolated. The new virtual classes were developed by specialist Parkinson’s physiotherapists, working with the the professional-led UK Parkinson’s Excellence Network. They include a mix of cardio, balance and chair-based strength and flexibility training. There are sessions suitable for people at every stage of Parkinson’s. The classes will be shared via Facebook Live on the Parkinson’s UK Facebook page, with the first class taking place today, 21 April, at 10:30am.
Guide for responders launched by Red Cross
The British Red Cross has developed a new step-by-step guide for anyone responding to the coronavirus outbreak. The free online guidance aims to help local charities, mutual aid groups and individuals to support people in their communities safely. The guidance has been developed with experts in emergency and crisis response. Simon Lewis, head of crisis response at British Red Cross, said: “An incredible number of people have stepped forward to support their community in the face of this crisis. As experts in emergency response we felt it important to make this information available to anyone lending a hand during this unprecedented time. “Individuals and small local organisations are often the first to spring into action during a crisis like this. Whether you’ve been deployed by a charity or are simply doing some shopping for your neighbour, this course will tell you what you need to know to look after yourself and others. We’d urge anyone responding to this crisis to give it a go.”
Tributes paid to “caring and kind” cancer nurse
Marie Curie’s chief executive has described the death of one of its nurses from Covid-19 as “devastating”. Barbara Sage died in intensive care at the age of 68 and is the first member of Marie Curie’s nursing team to die of coronavirus. The charity has posted a tribute to her on its blog. Sage had worked in palliative care for 40 years and had been at Marie Curie for 14. Matthew Reed, chief executive of Marie Curie, said: “Barbara’s death is a devastating loss for the whole team, and I know everyone who worked with Barbara over the last 14 years can attest to her professionalism and commitment. I know she will be very greatly missed.” Barbara's daughter Donna, said: “Mum always said her job wasn't about the getting paid, it was about being there for people when they need it. It was about being caring and kind and giving people your time.”
