UK-based ICMIF member Simplyhealth is continuing its long-standing work to support communities in need, through the Covid-19 crisis, with charitable donations to local and national charities.
The health cash plan and dental plan provider has made a significant donation to Diabetes UK to help support those affected by coronavirus and its associated health risks.
Simplyhealth reinvests up to 10% of its profits into charitable causes every year, providing financial and volunteer support to large and small causes which share the mutual’s values. Diabetes UK enables people to access the help and support they need by phone, website and webchat, providing reassurance at a worrying time. During the coronavirus outbreak, they have seen more than 500,000 people visit their website and have experienced a 10-fold increase in calls from people needing advice and someone to talk to.
Simplyhealth’s significant funding will help Diabetes UK respond to over 20,000 requests for help, information and support from people who are at risk of serious complications from the coronavirus.
Chris Askew, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK said: “We would like to thank Simplyhealth for their extraordinary generosity in support of our response to the coronavirus crisis. Now, more than ever, people living with diabetes need our help. By donating to help keep our services running, Simplyhealth is ensuring that vital support and information is shared by us with the millions of people that need it.
“Only together can we help people with diabetes stay well and stay safe through this pandemic, and we are hugely grateful for Simplyhealth’s support,” he concluded.
Local donations
Simplyhealth has supported local charity Andover Mind for three years with their youth counselling service in both Andover and Winchester schools, with a donation of £10,000. This can enable them to provide even more counselling for the most vulnerable people. Andover Mind are making contact with isolated and at-risk people including carers. They’ve been trying new approaches to counselling including an online solution, as they extend the ways people can get in touch. They’re also trying one-off first assessment sessions for young people who need to talk. They’ll be monitoring the engagement and expanding their support to parents with stress and anxiety issues.
Unity are providing a Covid-19 helpline and coordinated approach for some local residents and have received a donation of £10,000 from Simplyhealth. The helpline has nearly 400 volunteers and is working with over 80 groups to provide a route for people to call in if they need help to collect prescriptions, receive shopping information or have essential errands.
Another local charity, Trinity Winchester, has also received a donation of £10,000 to help support rough sleepers who have been given emergency accommodation to use. They’ll be given nutritious cooked lunches and breakfast packs to help them keep well, along with clean bedding, clothing and hygiene products. The Government advice is to reduce the risk of spreading infection, which our support for Trinity Winchester will help towards.
Wendy Cummins, Community Manager at Simplyhealth said: “Simplyhealth has been at the heart of our community for over 148 years. This continues to be important to us through volunteering and supporting local groups such as Andover Mind, Unity and I Can Therapy Centre.
“We built a relationship with Diabetes UK during 2019 and so in 2020, with the coronavirus crisis, we felt compelled to help them again, by responding quickly to provide funding in this time of great need.
“During this difficult time, helping people to feel part of a community and not isolated is key to maintaining good mental health. This is something that is really close to our heart; being resilient and feeling connected will help us all get through Coronavirus pandemic,” she concluded.
