Loneliness and Isolation Webinar

11th September 2020

Hidden In Plain Sight
Webinar Series

Loneliness and Isolation

Our Loneliness and Isolation Webinar

was the third of our Hidden in Plain Sight Webinars, bringing together local people and voluntary sector experts to share the insights from organisations that are providing vital services across our county.

What we heard

Feelings of loneliness and isolation can take a terrible toll on people’s health – that’s their mental, physical and emotional health. It is linked to depression and leaves people feeling empty, unhappy and unwanted.

‘Surrey Stats’

There are currently around 232,000 people aged 65 and over living in Surrey.

A third of residents aged 65+ (that’s almost 76,000 older people in the county) live alone.

The large majority of these older people who are living alone (some 47,000 people) are amongst the older age range – being 75 and over.^[i]

The wider picture

The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and a research survey for Age Concern^[i] have both found the prevalence of loneliness among older people to be around one third. In Surrey, this equates to over 77,000 older people experiencing loneliness, with 35,000 of those being in the 80+ age group.

The impact of living alone (research conducted prior to the pandemic)

Older adults who live alone are more likely to attend accident and emergency compared to older people who live with others^[ii]. They are also more likely to visit their GP – with 21% of those who live alone visiting their GP at least once a month.

Older adults who live alone are also more likely to have multiple (defined as 3 or more) long term conditions.

Older people that live alone are more likely to have mental health conditions.

Lack of social networks have been shown to be just as powerful predictors of mortality as common lifestyle and clinical risks such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Charities such as Woking Age Concern and Farncombe Day Centre have had to adapt their services quickly to continue to support their vulnerable clients. An issue that was already prevalent in Surrey, has become even more challenging to address due to restrictions put in place as a result of the pandemic.

What are some of the barriers these charities have faced due to Government restrictions?

No face to face services where clients can come together to experience vital socialisation with volunteers and other clients, the digital divide between those unable to access or use technology to communicate, many older people that already felt isolated are now even more anxious, with major concerns around access to food, shopping and medical supplies.

Further arising issues

Socialisation is the key issue to address going forwards. It is vital clients can see and interact with others face to face to support their mental health and to gradually build up their confidence going back into the community after shielding longer-term.

What does the future of these services look like, without further urgent support?

Charities providing vital support to older and isolated local people are struggling, due to the increasing demand for their services. They have lost the fundraising opportunities crucial for their financial stability and are unable to get out into the community to raise awareness of these needs.

Both charities share compelling stories on behalf of their clients, about how loneliness and isolation makes them feel, and in one case, how the support of their charity has quite literally, saved a life.

*Warning – contains upsetting content

A recording of our webinar is available.

Click here to watch!

Thank you to our inspiring speakers

Annette Clarke, Centre Manager, Farncombe Day Centre

The charity operates for those living in the Farncombe, Binscombe and Ockford Ridge areas of Godalming and is open every weekday throughout the year. The Centre runs multiple services to support the health and well-being of its clients, including Chiropody, Hairdressing, lunches, afternoon entertainment and day trips out, with the aim to enable older people to be independent and allow them to enjoy life in their own homes for as long as possible.

Annette has been Manager of Farncombe Day Centre for seven years. She thoroughly enjoys her role, and is involved with everything that takes place at the Centre in providing a welcoming and stimulating environment in which to meet and promote better health among this community.

Jackie Crouch, Support Officer, Woking Age Concern

Woking Age Concern is a small, independent charity whose aim is to give free support to older people in and around the borough. The charity’s mission is to promote the wellbeing of older people by offering friendship, information and support, through its services. The charity helps to alleviate feelings of vulnerability and loneliness by arranging regular visits for clients from staff and volunteer ‘friends’.

Jackie joined Woking Age Concern in August 2016. In 2018, Jackie and her colleague Shiela were given the opportunity to oversee the running of the organisation. She likes that no two days are the same and that this role has enabled her to develop new skills when supporting their clients.

Shiela McAree, Support Officer, Woking Age Concern

Shiela joined Woking Age Concern in January 2016 after having previously volunteered for the organisation.

In September 2018, Sheila joined Jackie in managing the charity. She enjoys being part of a small, dedicated team and feels privileged to work within an organisation supporting older local residents.

**What do we mean by Hidden in Plain Sight?**

Support

Do you or someone you know feel lonely and/or socially isolated? If so, please be assured help is available.

Visit the Healthy Surrey website for further advice and support.

Source

[i] English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and ICM Research survey for Agenda for Later Life, Age Concern and Help the Aged, 2009/10 (unpublished) cited by Age

[ii] Dreyer, Steventon, Fisher, & Deeny, 2018 – cited by Age UK in https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/reports-and-publications/later_life_uk_factsheet.pdf

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Reduced Income

8th September 2020

Coronavirus
Response Fund

Reduced Income

Apply for a Grant

Donate Now

Many organisations have seen significant proportions of their traditional funding streams cancelled during the pandemic and many are experiencing huge un-forecasted and unplanned losses of income.

August 2020

Centres have been closed, fundraising events have been cancelled, donations have dropped due to the impact of personal and global financial circumstances. Large benefactors have been unable to donate due to financial uncertainty and collecting tins have remained empty in closed pubs and restaurants.

Organisations have reported losses of up to £1,000,000 in their forecasted income this year, whilst the resources of small charities have been decimated by losses in the region of £7,000 (eliminating up to 90% of their income).

A small local organisation that supplies transport for vulnerable people so they can attend medical appointments has reported that their income has dwindled to practically nothing due the Covid-19 crisis.

A Counselling Service has seen a 70% drop in income whilst facing a huge increase demand for their service.

A larger organisation in Surrey advised:

“At this time, we are facing a sudden and unexpected financial loss of over £500,000 and do not yet know the long-term financial deficit we can expect to see across this year and facing additional costs to battle Covid-19. In the first quarter alone, we anticipate it will be in excess of £1m, as such we face acute financial hardship. We have taken many measures to help ourselves through this crisis and had to take the difficult decision to place 80% of our staff on furlough and were forced to temporarily close our retail stores, sister charities and services.”

A local advice and support group advised us that the current restrictions mean that they have not been able to hold monthly high street collections which traditionally has been their main source of regular income and generate about £400 per collection. They estimate that some or all of the anticipated £10,000 fundraising income could be lost over the year. Not only has the group lost a significant amount of its income, it is incurring additional costs as a result of Covid.

Another organisation advised that:

“The financial impact of Coronavirus is potentially huge – we are not anticipating being able to generate income effectively for most of this financial year, and the most recent forecast shows that we are set to have a deficit of £100,000 this year”.

A local charity reported:

“Due to Covid-19 we have lost three income streams for our charity. The combined value of these income streams is £400,000 over a 12-month period”.

Another organisation advised us:

“Current restrictions will have a significant and devastating impact on our budget, which is heavily reliant on an ongoing programme of small community fundraising and a large public event in the autumn. Projections leave us with a deficit of between £40,000-£65,000. Whilst we are fortunate enough to hold heathy reserves to cover some of this; our core service delivery is still at risk, and we desperately need additional funding to ensure we can continue to support vulnerable families in this time of extreme crisis”.

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Increased Demand for Services

Coronavirus
Response Fund

Increased Demand for Services

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Many organisations have seen unprecedented demand for their services – and anticipate this continuing.

August 2020

The National Emergencies Trust reported that one in six UK adults have sought charitable help in recent months as a direct result of the pandemic. For 70% of them it was the first time they had ever sought support from the sector. One in eight people living in the UK (equivalent to seven million people) expect to seek support from a charity or voluntary body in the next 12 months as a direct result of challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

A group supporting prisoners and their families reported: “calls have increased by 30% since lockdown including a trebling in volume of serious, time intensive safeguarding calls – over the past month there have been a growing number of calls about children’s welfare, self-harm, suicide, bullying, mental health, domestic violence. Families are fearful for their relatives in prison, whom they can no longer visit, particularly where relatives have underlying health issues. They are rapidly having to retrain and redeploy staff to cope with demand.”

Throughout the crisis, food banks and Citizen’s Advice Bureaux across Surrey have seen huge increases for demand, with often up to 3 times as many service users as they would normally experience. Although some foodbanks are now starting to see a slight decline in demand.

A charity offering support to people with cancer and their carers reported:

“Due to this virus we are now having to provide home visits which has increased our costs three-fold plus. The true costs will only be identified later as we are experiencing a daily increase in demand for our services as people are not going out. We also have the added cost of PPE – without which we cannot continue.

The pandemic has had a huge impact on the charity’s volunteers, some of whom may need counselling, following the deaths of some of their members during the crisis”.

A charity which helps older people reported a daily increase in enquiries of 233% (over 900 in a 2 and a half weeks) from concerned beneficiaries, uncertain and fearful of how they would get shopping and support.

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SURREY CHARITIES DESPERATELY IN NEED OF FURTHER FUNDING

4th September 2020

The Community Foundation for Surrey urges local support to alleviate the urgent pressures facing our communities

Voluntary organisations across Surrey have adapted quickly and efficiently to continue supporting our vulnerable local residents, but many are now at a crisis point due to pressures brought on by the pandemic, including severe financial loss and the surge in demand for their services.

A recent report released by the National Emergencies Trust (NET) states that 1 in 8 people living in the UK expect to seek support from a charity or voluntary body in the next 12 months, as a direct result of challenges created by Covid-19. For more than half (61%) of these people, it will be the first time they have ever sought charitable support.

The Community Foundation for Surrey, which brings together local donors with those providing positive solutions to the issues facing Surrey, has been working closely together with organisations across the county, to identify crucial areas where further support from our community is most needed.

The health and wellbeing of local people has been directly impacted, with charities increasingly dealing with severe issues and worsening of conditions amongst their existing clients.

One local organisation informed the Community Foundation:

“We support many people with acute mental health and anxiety issues, and the isolation and uncertainty has triggered a worsening of symptoms. There has been an increase in incidents of challenging behaviour and mental health crisis over the last two months.”

Many local organisations serve the most vulnerable within our communities, including older and isolated people, people with physical and learning disabilities, people with mental health challenges, as well as survivors of domestic abuse. These organisations have seen unprecedented demand for their services, with often up to 3 times as many service users as they would normally experience, and this is anticipated to continue – as the NET report highlights.

One charity reported: “Calls have increased by 30% since lockdown, including a trebling in volume of serious, time intensive safeguarding calls – over the past month there have been a growing number of calls about children’s welfare, self-harm, suicide, bullying, mental health, and domestic violence.”

The Coronavirus Response Fund was established by the Community Foundation for Surrey on the 26^th March to get much-needed emergency funding to local charities. To date, more than £2 million has been donated and this has already been used to support over 120,000 local people. However, there is an urgent ongoing need, as without further vital funding, the survival of many vital local community groups remains unknown.

The Community Foundation for Surrey knows continued positive action will make all the difference and is urging Surrey residents to continue to donate to the Coronavirus Response Fund so those who feel the effects of the pandemic more severely and for longer can continue to access much-needed support.

Laura Thurlow, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Surrey says:

“Funding is still critical to help local voluntary organisations experiencing high demand for the vital support services that they provide to local people. We need to continue to strengthen them.

With the generosity of our community, our Response Fund has already helped hundreds of groups. The issues we have identified call for us to come together once again, to meet the many pressures our communities now face. This is a crisis that continues to require solutions and we’re urging Surrey residents to stay involved and donate.”

The £2 million figure includes £867,281 allocated for Surrey from the National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal, and £1,160,514 in donations from generous local donors and partners.

More details of how to donate to the Coronavirus Response Fund can be found here: cfsurrey.org.uk/surreycoronavirusresponsefund/

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR SURREY AWARDS OVER £87,000 TO DOMESTIC ABUSE CHARITIES

19th August 2020

Local grant assists the surge in demand for support services for survivors of domestic abuse in Surrey

The Coronavirus Response Fund (CRF), established by the Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS) to get urgent funding to local charities quickly, has awarded a significant grant to Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership (SDAP), a formal partnership of four independent charities, that have come together to support survivors of domestic abuse across our county.

A total of £87,178 has been awarded – with funding from the CRF, together with the generosity of the Foundation’s local donors, and match funding from Surrey County Council. This funding will help these local charities meet the surge in demand for local domestic abuse support services as lockdown restrictions ease.

In Surrey, there are an estimated 35,400 victims of abuse. Since lockdown has lifted, the number of people calling Surrey Police for help has increased, with an 8% rise in the number of incidents being reported. On average, Surrey Police will record 28 domestic abuse crimes every day.

Michelle Blunsom MBE, Chief Executive of East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services says:

“Not only are domestic abuse services facing increased demand for services, but we are acutely aware of the way in which lockdown is impacting upon survivors and their children. The is a significant need not only to sustain services during the pandemic, but also resource them so they can deal with the physical, psychological and emotional trauma that being lockdown with an abuser will create. We are so grateful to the Community Foundation for Surrey and their partners for listening to our need and taking action at a time when this support has never been more of a lifeline.”

The Community Foundation for Surrey, which brings together local donors with those providing positive solutions to the issues facing Surrey, is working closely together with organisations across the county to identify crucial areas where the support within our community is most needed.

The Coronavirus Response Fund gives priority to voluntary organisations providing support to the most vulnerable and isolated. The Fund has two ‘phases’ of funding – with larger Phase 2 grants supporting groups now seeing a tsunami of need for their services. Since its establishment on the 26^th March, the local Fund has grown to just under £2 million thanks to the generosity of local individuals, families and Surrey partners. This funding has enabled the Foundation to effectively distribute over £1.4 million to 190 local groups in need of vital support.

A domestic abuse survivor and campaigner says:

“Leaving an abusive relationship is the hardest and bravest decision a survivor can make. Rapid access to services such as the Surrey Domestic Abuse partnership is essential to ensure our physical and emotional well-being. Survivors need support whilst living in these conditions in addition to preparing for, and leaving, if and when that is possible. The incredible generosity of the Community Foundation for Surrey through their Coronavirus Response Fund will enable the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership to not only meet the increased demand they now face, but ensure sustained support and provision for survivors and their children.”

Other partnerships that have benefitted from the CRF Phase 2 funding are:

A group of 8 Surrey charities led by young people’s charity, Eikon have been awarded £50,000 to help deal with the expected 30% rise in referrals for children and young people’s mental health support services.

Over £58,000 was awarded to Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid to furnish and equip a new local Refuge which will provide a place of safety for up to 20 families fleeing domestic abuse.

The Community Foundation for Surrey knows that early positive action makes all the difference for many vulnerable people, and is urging Surrey residents to continue to donate to the Coronavirus Response Fund so those who feel the effects of the pandemic more severely and for longer can continue to access much needed support.

Laura Thurlow, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Surrey says:

“With the generosity of our community, our Coronavirus Response Fund has helped hundreds of voluntary groups quickly navigate the sudden challenges of lockdown. We have listened to the needs of our charities every step of the way, and the issues we have identified call for us to come together to meet the imminent surge in demand. This is a crisis that continues to require solutions and we’re urging Surrey residents to get involved and donate.”

To donate, please contact Laura Thurlow at the Foundation on 01483 478092, or visit: virginmoneygiving.com/fund/surreycoronavirusfund

Children and Young People’s Mental Health Webinar

23rd July 2020

Hidden In Plain Sight
Webinar Series

Children and Young People's Mental Health

Our Children and Young People’s Mental Health Webinar

was the second of our Hidden in Plain Sight Webinars that bring together local people and voluntary sector experts to share the insights from organisations that are now facing a surge in demand for their services.

What we heard

‘Surrey Stats’

1 in 8 children and young people have a diagnosable mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. [1]

Nearly half of 17-19 year olds with a diagnosable mental health disorder has self-harmed or attempted suicide at some point. [2]

Of the 185,000 5-16 years olds in Surrey, this equates to over 23,000 children and young people needing help and support locally. [3]

If the Children’s Commissioner is correct – that only 1 in 4 of those are referred for clinical support, that leaves 75% (over 17,000) of Surrey children needing to look elsewhere for support. [4]

Accessible, specialist services embedded in the community are fundamental to ensuring that children and young people can seek the support that they need, and elevate pressures on other services that have had to cut back on youth provision or had to focus resources on the highest clinical need.

Finding social solutions and early intervention support is more cost effective and less visible as “treatment” and therefore often less stigmatised. Often young people do not want to be associated with a clinical problem.

In Surrey, voluntary sector organisations are coming together to address this added pressure for services across the county.

The Surrey Wellbeing Partnership has formed to create a framework for voluntary sector collaboration, with the purpose to deliver community and school-based support for young people which focuses on supportive and ongoing relationships to provide consistency and stability for children.

The Community Foundation for Surrey is a long-term supporter of Surrey-based charities and voluntary sector organisations supporting children and young people’s mental health.

These services, now more than ever, are in need of significant uplift in funding to meet the increased demand that they are now facing as we come out of lockdown.

Jude Crome, CEO of Leatherhead Youth Project shares the story of one 13-year-old living in Surrey and why the support of a local charity is so important.

What can be done in the immediate to help?

Third sector partners really need “more boots on the ground.”

This would enable more time and focus to be spent catering to each individuals’ specific needs. Recruiting specialist well being youth workers for example, would be invaluable as every need is different. It is a struggle to recruit meaningful ongoing roles due to lack of resource.

“We are incredibly grateful to all of our generous local donors who have helped us to address the urgent need for support for local young people. However, we are aware that our local voluntary sector is in real need of further support.

Together We Can provide this support and bring hope to the lives of local young people; and make a real difference across our county.”

– Laura Thurlow, Chief Executive, Community Foundation for Surrey

A recording of our webinar is available.

Click here to watch!

Thank you to our inspiring speakers

Jude Crome, Chief Executive, Leatherhead Youth Project

Jude is a qualified counsellor and has been working with young people in Surrey since 2008. Five of these years were as the Counselling and Emotional Wellbeing Manager at Leatherhead Youth Project and most recently as the Charity’s Chief Executive.

Leatherhead Youth Project (LYP) offers a diverse range of projects and activities to 11-19 year olds across Mole Valley, including Youth Cafes, Counselling, Sports Projects and Residential’s. LYP aims to respond to local needs and help young people to be safe, happy and making positive changes in their lives.

Sarah Kenyon, Heads Together Manager, YMCA East Surrey

Sarah is the Counselling Manager for YMCA East Surrey’s youth counselling service, Heads Together which has been supporting young people since the 1990’s. Sarah specialises in working with adolescents and young adults.

YMCA East Surrey is a vibrant community-based charity offering a wide variety of services across East Surrey with a strong emphasis on services for children and young people, particularly those facing challenges such a deprivation, physical or mental health issues, learning disabilities and difficult family circumstances. YMCA East Surrey’s work is driven by the desire to support children and young people to believe in themselves and to reach their full potential.

Chloe, a young person who shared her story

Source

[1], [2] https://youngminds.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/mental-health-stats/ Young Minds (as at August 2020)

[3] The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated as at Mid 2017, Surreyi.

[4] https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/report/the-state-of-childrens-mental-health-services/ – Briefing: The state of children’s mental health services, Anne Longfield (published January 2020)

**What do we mean by Hidden in Plain Sight?**

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Over £332,000 awarded across Surrey in the latest Coronavirus Response Fund grants

15th July 2020

A further 52 charities have been awarded funding in the latest of our Coronavirus Response Fund Grants which has led to a staggering £332,520 that has been distributed to good causes across Surrey in recent weeks. This brings the total amount awarded from the Fund to over £1 million. These funds have helped many disadvantaged local people in need of support, to stay safe and to provide basic essentials during the challenging and unsettling times caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic.

It is thanks to the generosity of local people, businesses and funding from the National Emergencies Trust Appeal that we have raised over £1.5 million to date.

Below are some examples of how these grants will make a difference to the lives of people in Surrey:

The Include Project in Redhill were awarded funding to deliver choir and advice services online for people with learning disabilities, autism, dementia, brain injury, stroke or tumour. The Include Project supports clients with understanding and speech difficulties by teaching better ways of including and involving those with specific communication needs. They do this through community choir sessions, performances, workshops and training. The weekly Include Choir gives these members an outlet to engage with familiar faces and meaningful, uplifting activity in a safe and welcoming environment. It also helps their care staff with structure and regular activity.

The Virtual Tea Break:

“In the same way that people in a wheelchair need a ramp to access buildings, people with understanding and speaking difficulties need a ramp to access the lives and services we take for granted.

Include is building that ramp through The Include Choir, which provides empowering social musical opportunities for people with communication needs and teaches communication skills to choir members, care staff and audiences alike. In addition to the Choir, Include provides music and communication activities and training, based on clinical evidence, to health and social care providers, third sector organisations and more.

Despite Covid-19’s significant challenges, Include has been able to adapt and continue including our members, thanks to the support of our funders.”

– Alix Lewer, Director, The Include Project

Re-engage who seek to support people who live alone aged 75 and over received funding towards their essential running costs and befriending service. The scheme is called Call Companions and is a free service for anyone over-75 who lives alone and feels they could do with a friendly phone call every week or two. The same person calls every time so, gradually, clients and callers get to know one another. It helps lift everyone’s spirits and makes them feel more connected to the world.

“On behalf of us all here at Re-engage, thank you for your generous support of our call companions programme. Your support will make all the difference to lonely older people in Surrey. One of our volunteer call companions recently told us, “One guest I spoke to told me she hadn’t used her voice in two weeks. She hadn’t spoken to a soul.” Your funding will help us reach those that need us the most.”

– Kitty Blackwell, Director of Fundraising and Communications, Re-engage

The 50 other charities who received funding were:

Active Prospects in Reigate received funding to purchase equipment and supply activities to support the physical and mental well-being of people with learning disabilities, autism or acquired brain injury
Age Concern Epsom and Ewell advice and information helpline which supports older people, has received a contribution towards staff costs to help the charity respond to a large increase in demand for their service
Belong: Making Justice Happen, who are based in Woking received funding to provide support, information and basic needs packs for released and incarcerated prisoners
Byfleet Community Action (Byfleet Care) received a grant towards the salary cost of a Volunteer Coordinator, for a service in Byfleet, that offers transport to medical appointments and a delivery service of shopping for isolated elderly people
Camberley Nepali (G) Society were awarded funding to help support the older Nepalese Society with shopping deliveries, prescription drop offs and regular support phone calls to support some of Camberley’s most isolated people
Care Ashore were awarded a grant to purchase equipment and cover volunteer costs to provide activities for retired seafarers at a care home in Alford
Connect Counselling Service, who are based in Camberley were awarded a grant to work remotely whilst maintaining their one-to-one counselling for clients struggling with emotional and relationship difficulties
Creative Response Arts in Farnham were awarded funding to provide art-based therapy and activity packs to people suffering from mental health disorders and other disabilities
Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity received funding towards the essential running costs, IT costs and education technology to support families across Surrey with children that have cerebral palsy aged 5 and under
Fairlands, Liddington Hall, and Gravetts Lane Community Association in Guildford obtained funding to produce information and activity packs to isolated older people during the pandemic
Family Voice Surrey, based in Leatherhead, received funding to provide online and telephone support to carers in each of the 11 Surrey boroughs
Fredericks Foundation in Lightwater received funding to staff a help desk aimed at low income and financially excluded families who largely fall outside the government financial support packages
Global Grooves Foundation obtained a grant to purchase and deliver goods and groceries for 22 high priority families in Woking (experiencing low income, unemployment, isolation or recently grieving)
Guildford Shakespeare Company were supported to purchase equipment and resources to offer an online play writing and drama course to improve the mental health of some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged families in Surrey
Hale Community Centre obtained funding for a community store to borrow or swap a variety of items (including puzzles & board games, books, musical instruments, garden games etc) to support local people
Haslemere Educational Museum received a grant towards the essential running costs, salary costs and material costs to continue their outreach to the local community through online workshops, videos and resources for families with young children and vulnerable adults
Hersham Youth Trust obtained funding toward the essential running costs to run youth clubs and online and phone support for local disadvantaged and vulnerable young people
Home-Start Elmbridge obtained funding for a specialist Family Support Worker to help struggling families with parenting and mental health support
Home-Start Surrey Heath received a grant towards the essential running costs to continue support for families with a child aged 5 or under, that are struggling to cope
Home-Start Waverley were awarded a contribution to essential running costs for a charity supporting families with young children facing wide-ranging difficulties
Imago Dei Prison Ministry received funding to support vulnerable and isolated women in prisons, to improve their mental well being
It’s Not Your Birthday But, based in Claygate and Walton on Thames, received a grant to support isolated older people’s mental health by providing creative activity packs, socially distanced portraits and interviews for a biography
KidsOut in Guildford were awarded funding towards the purchase of food vouchers for women in refuge in Surrey to enable mothers to purchase essential groceries
Man and Boy, a charity that promotes positive male role models for boys where there is no father figure, received a grant to provide a remote programme for vulnerable boys aged 9-12 with weekly support worker contact
The Meath Epilepsy Trust, a specialist residential care home in Godalming for adults who have complex epilepsy, severe physical and learning disabilities were awarded funding towards the purchase of separate changing facilities for staff
Mustard Seed Autism Trust, a charity supporting children with autism received funding to make resources available online and support families remotely at a time when they also experiencing a substantial increase in enquiries
Oakleaf Enterprise in Guildford, received funding towards their Client Service Outreacher Worker supporting people experiencing mental ill-health and isolation
Painshill Park Trust Limited in Cobham, were awarded a grant to provide a safe space for older isolated people, and older volunteers to return to duties following the COVID-19 lockdown
Painting our World in Silver in Weybridge, obtained funding toward the purchasing of art and craft packages that help the isolated and elderly
Princess Alice Hospice in Esher, obtained funding toward the purchase of essential Personal Protective Equipment to continue their services supporting people with life limiting illnesses
Prison Advice & Care Trust (PACT) in Woking, received funding to provide advice and support to the children and families of prisoners. The charity provide support through food vouchers, emergency supplies, household items, clothing and have developed special new online resources and printable activity packs
Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People received funding towards the additional costs incurred by acquiring Personal Protective Equipment for those providing care for adults and children with disabilities
Reigate & Banstead Borough African and Caribbean Community Association were awarded funding to support African and Caribbean communities. Support packages include providing transportation, personal assistance and delivery of shopping, food vouchers and prescriptions
Samaritans East Surrey were awarded funding for IT and cleaning equipment, and some essential running costs so they can continue supporting the most vulnerable and isolated
Sebastian’s Action Trust obtained funding to provide online services, food/essential supplies, and activity bags to vulnerable families who have children with a life-limiting or life-threatening illness in Surrey Heath and Guildford
Something To Look Forward To, a Guildford based charity, were awarded funding to provide essential items including bedding, toiletries and clothing for people affected by cancer who are experiencing financial hardship during and in the aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic
Southwark Diocesan Welcare obtained a grant towards the cost of food vouchers to support with vulnerable families from Surrey with children up to the age of 13
Stanwell Village Hall received funding to enable a village hall to host a food bank, cooking meals for vulnerable and self isolating members of the community
Surrey Choices Employability received funding to provide IT Equipment and access to WiFi for disabled people and their families
Surrey Family & Mediation Services received funding toward the purchase of equipment and software licences to enable a mediation service to deliver their service online
Synergy Dance Outreach were awarded a grant to provide remote yoga and exercise classes to older people and people with disabilities
Talk, a charity based in Guildford, were awarded a grant to provide a remote support service, including activity packs and telephone support to people who have been affected by a stroke and have aphasia
Taylor Made Dreams obtained funding toward food and hygiene parcels for families who have a child suffering from a life-limiting illness
The Autism Trust from Camberley were awarded funding for essential running costs, online support and a telephone line for families with Autism Spectrum Disorder members
The Woodlarks Centre in Farnham, received a grant to purchase equipment to enable online physiotherapy sessions for people with learning disabilities
Three Counties Money Advice in Haslemere, were given a grant towards the purchase of equipment to enable staff to work from home and give financial advice to vulnerable families who have had reduced working hours or have been furloughed
Transform Housing and Support were awarded further funding for Personal Protective Equipment for staff and volunteers at a homelessness charity
Voluntary Support North Surrey were awarded funding to provide online training to volunteers to support the Third Sector in North Surrey with centres in Camberley, Chertsey and Staines. Training will include befriending, buddying and fundraising
Waverley Hoppa Community Transport, a transport charity supporting older, disabled and/or vulnerable people, received funding for 3 months of Personal Protective Equipment
Young Epilepsy in Lingfield, received two grants to purchase laptops to enable staff to work remotely alongside young people with epilepsy and their families

Phase 2 Funding

We are extremely proud to announce that we have awarded our first grants from Phase 2 of our Coronavirus Response grant-making. Together with local partners, we have awarded over £58,000 to furnish a new Refuge that will support up to 20 victims and their families fleeing domestic abuse, at a time when staying at home is not the safest place for them to be. Read more here.

A group of 8 Surrey charities led by young people’s charity, Eikon have been awarded a total of £50,000 to help deal with the surge in demand for children and young people’s mental health services following the Coronavirus Pandemic.

For more information and how to apply for a grant from our Coronavirus Response Fund, please visit our webpage here!

Domestic Abuse Webinar

9th July 2020

Hidden In Plain Sight
Webinar Series

Domestic abuse

Our Domestic Abuse Webinar

was the first of our Hidden in Plain Sight Webinars that bring together local people and voluntary sector experts to share the insights from organisations that are now facing a surge in demand for their services.

What we heard

Coronavirus has raised public consciousness of the extreme fear and harm that survivors, both adults and children, are suffering all across the country. This damage is long-lasting and it’s important to understand that abuse doesn’t end when a relationship ends, the harm continues, and support is vital to a person’s safety and recovery.

‘Surrey Stats’

In Surrey, we know that there are an estimated 35,400 victims of abuse, with 3,300 children visible to services as living in homes where there is domestic abuse.

Each year there are over 1 million calls to police in England and Wales about domestic abuse, and on average someone contacts the police every 30 seconds for help with domestic abuse.

Since lockdown has lifted, the number of people calling Surrey Police for help has increased, with an 8% rise in the number of incidents being reported and on average, Surrey Police will record 28 domestic abuse crimes every day.

Sadly, these figures are only the tip of the iceberg as we know that less than 1 in 4 victims (and worryingly, this is reducing) report to the police.

Accessible, independent, specialist services embedded in the community are fundamental to getting people to safety as quickly as possible.

In Surrey, our vision is for every adult and child experiencing domestic abuse to be seen, safe and heard, and free from the harm caused by perpetrator behaviour.

More data and insights on domestic abuse can be found on our webpage here.

East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services is a lead provider of Surrey-wide specialist Domestic Abuse support services.

Q. Have you seen an increase in cases since the pandemic began?

A. Yes, the number of referrals has increased dramatically from this time last year – 100% up each month compared to last year.

We are now having to find the necessary resources to manage a 40% plus uplift in demand.

The predictions around increases in domestic abuse incidents and homicide are stark, but it is important to note that the pandemic, lockdown and the socio-economic consequences of these events do not cause domestic abuse, but they have highlighted the prevalence. As restrictions are further lifted, we are likely to see incidents increase and domestic abuse murders as survivors attempt to leave relationships and perpetrators lose control.

Q. What are the top 3 issues that can be addressed now and have most impact if funding was available?

A. More understanding of the long-term impact of domestic abuse – more funding for specialist services to support survivors beyond being safe to enable people to recover and rebuild their lives, which can take many years.

More therapeutic support for children affected by domestic abuse.

Greater public awareness and recognition of domestic abuse.

The Community Foundation for Surrey is a long-term supporter of Surrey-based specialist domestic abuse support provider charities.

Currently these services are in need of significant uplift in funding to meet the increased demand.

“The issues are difficult – and the challenge to address them may appear insurmountable. However, we know that when people come together, it can make a real difference. We know that there are many generous people within our county who want to help.

Together we can provide the help that is needed across Surrey – bringing hope to the lives of local people; and positive change for all communities.”

– Laura Thurlow, Chief Executive, Community Foundation for Surrey

Thank you to our inspiring speakers

Kerry, Domestic Abuse Survivor and Campaigner who works with other survivors nationally to bring about positive change.

Michelle Blunsom MBE, Chief Executive, East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services

Michelle has worked for over 17 years supporting thousands of victims of domestic abuse and their families from across Surrey. As the lead provider for Surrey Outreach services, she is responsible for making sure survivors have access to advice and support in order to break the cycle of abuse and help to rebuild their lives. Michelle has worked closely with Surrey Police to train officers and staff in using legislation to tackle domestic abuse, and has been very influential in improving victim care and procedures that are widely used.

Lisa Herrington, Head of Policy and Commissioning, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Lisa is Head of Policy and Commissioning for Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, David Munro. She leads the PCC’s commissioning strategy and heads up a team focused on the policy areas of criminal justice, community safety and victims of crime.

Having worked in policing for nearly 16 years, she has a broad range of experience at both a local and national level, including leading the communication of major organisational change. Throughout Lisa’s career with the OPCC, she has used her knowledge and skill as a communicator to secure significant additional funding from central government for specialist victim services in Surrey, including for those affected by domestic abuse.

If you would like access to our Domestic Abuse Webinar, please email phil@cfsurrey.org.uk.

Due to the sensitive content, we are unable to post the Webinar online.

Support

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by domestic abuse, please be assured help is available.

Contact the Surrey-wide Domestic Abuse helpline (available 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm) on 01483 776822 who can provide support and information to survivors, concerned friends/family members or professionals. An online chat service is also available at: www.yoursanctuary.org.uk

If you are worried that you may be using unhealthy and/or harmful strategies in your own relationship, contact Respect on 0808 8024040.

If you would like to report a crime, but do want to go to the police for whatever reason then please contact registered charity, Crimestoppers.

0800555 111 or via their on-line form

What do we mean by Hidden in Plain Sight ?

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BBC Radio Surrey 6th July 2020 – Make a Difference

6th July 2020

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The Community Foundation for Surrey urges local support to alleviate the urgent pressures facing our communities

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SURREY CHARITIES DESPERATELY IN NEED OF FURTHER FUNDING

Building relationships and growing with our young people

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