Want to help those affected by coronavirus? Charities and fundraisers to donate to now

By Holly O'Mahony on 6/5/2020

Thousands of people in the UK have died coronavirus – and the number is only rising. We’re all aware by now that it’s not only those infected who are suffering. Efforts to stall the spread of the virus have brought the nation (like many others) to a standstill, with schools, workplaces, arts venues, restaurants and bars all closing their doors in a bid to encourage social distancing.
Many charities and organisations that already relied heavily on donations from the public are now struggling more than ever to support those who need their help. If you’re wondering where you can donate and how to best show your support, read on…

The biggie: NHS Charities Together

NHS Charities Together is the umbrella term for a collective of over 250 NHS charities working together across the UK. Between them, they pump £1m a day into our underfunded NHS, providing vital funds and services that would otherwise be impossible. Amid the pandemic, the charity group launched its NHS Charities National Covid-19 Urgent Appeal to support NHS staff, volunteers and patients impacted by the virus. The care they provide goes beyond hospital treatment, supplying wellbeing packs, rest and recuperation rooms, electronic tablets to help isolated patients communicate, and mental health resources. NHS Charities Together needs regular public support to continue running this service. If you’re able to, donate today.

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Combating domestic violence: Refuge

A cruel consequence of the lockdown has been a surge in domestic violence. Here to help the women and children affected is national domestic abuse charity Refuge. The organisation supports upwards of 6,000 victims on any given day, running refuges, offering independent advocacy and helping rebuild lives. Refuge also runs a 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline – a vital service at any time, but never more so than now, when leaving the house can prove difficult. Your donation will help Refuge continue to provide its life-saving services during the pandemic.

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Toiletries: Beauty Banks’ #helpinghands appeal

Beauty Banks, a charity that provides essential toiletries to people living in poverty, has launched an appeal, #helpinghands, to support people across the UK who can’t afford the basic hygiene products needed to protect themselves and their families from the spread of coronavirus. Launched by Beauty Banks co-founder Jo Jones together with the Guardian’s beauty columnist Sali Hughes, the project aims to see hygiene parcels consisting of soap, bodywash, handwash, hand sanitiser and laundry detergent delivered to those in need.

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Food banks: Sufra and The Trussell Trust

The Covid-19 outbreak has saw even the most rational among us stock our cupboards with extra goods, or traipse from shop to shop in search of loo roll. People panic bought, supermarket shelves were initially stripped bare, and food bank donations dwindled at a rapid and worrying rate.

Sufra, a north London-based food bank and kitchen, has launched an emergency appeal to help homeless people and families experiencing hunger get access to the essential items they need to survive. Every £10 you give will provide an emergency food parcel to someone in need, while £50 can provide family of four with food, nappies and milk. You can also send food items via the charity's online shop, or provide longer-term support by setting up a monthly standing order.

Supporting the arts

With the UK's theatres, galleries, museums and music venues darkened for now, the livelihoods of thousands of people are at stake. Well aware of the disastrous risks such a severe loss of business will bring, these venues are wasting no time in setting up crowdfunding campaigns. Search the websites of the venues, artists and organisations whose work you admire, and see what they’re asking for by way of a donation.

Loss of money on tickets already purchased is also set to be a big problem for venues. While many are offering refunds for shows that are no longer going ahead, most are also asking that those who are financially able to donate the cost of their ticket to keeping the venue running at this difficult time.

Many cinemas, theatres and restaurants offer vouchers, too, which can be purchased now to give institutions an immediate cash injection, and saved to use at a later date.

Caring for children: Little Village

Little Village, a children’s charity with hubs in Wandsworth, Camden and Southwark, is calling for more donations to see it through the coronavirus outbreak. The charity, one of four to be championed by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as part of their #GlobalSussexBabyShower, provides quality children’s clothing, toys and accessories (such as buggies) to families in need. The charity is currently in urgent need of nappies, wipes, toiletries (including baby wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes and shower gel) and menstrual products.

Little Village has suspended its drop-in sessions to prevent further spread of the virus, but is still accepting donations at its three hubs and via its Amazon wishlists, and financial donations can also be made via its Just Giving page.

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