Connection Support has been awarded a grant of £100,000 by Barclays to provide practical support to people in the Thames Valley who are facing further challenges brought about through COVID.
Connection Support work with over 4,000 clients every year to solve homelessness and achieve independence through specialist support services across the Thames Valley. COVID-19 has created new hurdles to support people in the community for whom the pandemic has heightened their vulnerability or isolation.
Amy Delisser, Director and Deputy CEO, Connection Support; “We’re absolutely delighted to receive Barclays support to help us fulfil our mission to work alongside people to overcome life’s challenges. The pandemic has meant an increase in challenges for many so our life-changing services are in greater demand and we want to help our clients move forward with their lives in this new normal.”
Back in April 2020, Barclays announced a £100m Community Aid Package to support charities that are helping people and communities most impacted by COVID-19. Connection Support is one of 100 UK charities each receiving a donation of £100k, allowing their important work to continue.
Nigel Higgins, Barclays Chairman, said: “COVID-19 has created an unprecedented social and economic impact in the UK, with many experiencing greater hardship due to the crisis. Incredible charities, such as Connection Support have been playing a vital role in the UK’s response to the pandemic, ensuring urgent help reaches those most in need of support. As a bank we have been doing all we can for our customers, clients and colleagues, and we hope that by partnering with Connection Support and many other charities across the UK, collectively we can ensure that as many people as possible in the communities in which we live, and work are supported through this crisis.”
Amy explained “Our clients have struggled with things we often take for granted, for example, access to the internet to complete benefit application forms, slow cookers for rough sleepers who have been accommodated by local councils, a mobile for remote support, safe transport and keeping in touch with family and friends online. We’re working with clients to identify their immediate needs and equipment or wellbeing support that will continue post-COVID. With Barclays support our homeless clients can take control over their future and opportunities to connect will open up for those shielding or vulnerable.”
Read the full press release.