Tag Archives: Coronavirus Response Fund

Increased Demand for Services

8th September 2020

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.

Related Case Studies

See all

Domestic abuse charity, Your Sanctuary, has been providing lifesaving support to survivors of domestic abuse since 1977. The Community Foundation for Surrey is a long-term supporter of Your Sanctuary, having awarded 19 grants to the local charity over the past 11 years.

Sanctuary for Survivors

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 urges local support to alleviate the urgent pressures facing our communities.

SURREY CHARITIES DESPERATELY IN NEED OF FURTHER FUNDING

east to west is a Surrey based charity supporting over 1,000 local children, young people and their families. We learn how their effective mental health support is making a difference across Surrey.

Building relationships and growing with our young people

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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 26th 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 26th 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 

Building relationships and growing with our young people

6th August 2020

Coronavirus
Response Fund

Case Study

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“It’s through these relationships that real, tangible change can happen.”

 

Dan Beedell joined east to west 10 years ago after discovering them at a local church. Originally a part time Relational Support Worker, Dan is now part of the senior leadership team and an enthusiastic champion of the charity and its fundraising.

“The reason why east to west are so effective at what they do is that we take the time to build relationships with those we support. Because we know them, we know what is happening, and we have a better understanding as to why. It’s through these relationships that real, tangible change can happen.”

east to west is a Surrey based charity supporting over 1,000 local children, young people and their families. The children and young people who work with east to west often struggle with self-harming, bullying, broken family relationships, abuse and homelessness. Through one to one and group sessions east to west listen and care for each young person they support. Their help often goes beyond listening; accompanying children to doctor’s appointments or food banks, or connecting them with a social worker or specialist counsellor.

In the wake of the pandemic, these needs have intensified. More and more we are seeing how the effects of lockdown have taken a greater toll on the mental health and wellbeing of our young people. Dan says, “in essence schools closed overnight, yet those we work with didn’t suddenly disappear. Their needs were still just as important on the day after lockdown as they were the day before.”

Nearly a third of young people in the UK who received mental health services and support prior to the pandemic are now unable to access support.[1] The crisis has compounded existing inequalities and spiked abuse.[2] And during this mental health “epidemic”[3] young people are battling feelings of isolation, anxiety about the world they’re inheriting and frustration about being left out of the discussion about their own recovery.[4]

Dan continues, “the reality is that the pressures on children’s and young people’s mental health are increasing significantly. We are seeing children and young people unable to understand or verbalise how or what they are feeling and what is expressed is anger, upset or frustration.”

Dan stresses that relationships are the key to east to west’s success, and it’s through their earned, trusted rapport with young people that they are able to make a difference, “we recognise that some wellbeing and mental health issues can be resolved relatively quickly… it may be a case of someone needing to offload to someone they trust, however for many of those we support, there is no quick fix and time and a commitment to being there to support is what is needed.”

In March, when lockdown happened, most mental health services were forced to quickly shift to online support. For young people this shift was not always easy; many had concerns about privacy at home and others faced gaps in their access to technology.[5] The Community Foundation for Surrey has been there to help east to west keep crucial relationships intact. By providing an initial emergency response grant, the charity did not have to furlough any staff and could continue to work alongside young people to keep that all important connection. When east to west found people struggled to engage through phone calls, they eventually moved online, learning and growing with the young people themselves about what works best.

Most recently, a grant of £50,000 has been awarded by the Foundation to a group of 8 Surrey charities – including east to west – to help deal with the surge in demand for children and young people’s mental health services following the Coronavirus Pandemic.

It is currently unknown what the long-term effects of lockdown and the pandemic will be on our young people. For Dan effective mental health support is a long-term commitment hinging on investing time and energy into developing trusting relationships with young people. In his words, “if I had one word of advice to those reading this… invest in the young people you’re supporting… it sounds simple, but it is so effective!”

 

east to west winners - Youth Awards 2018/19
The east to west team

Our recent Children and Young People’s Mental Health Webinar brought together Surrey charities working to support our local young people with their mental health needs. Click here to find out what we heard!

Source

[1] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/mental-health-support-young-people-coronavirus-a9611661.html

[2] https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jul/07/children-risk-health-visitors-count-cost-lockdown

[3] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-youth-mental-health-pandemic-uk-a9614841.html

[4] https://www.charitytoday.co.uk/young-people-call-on-government-to-prioritise-mental-health-in-uks-coronavirus-recovery/

[5] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/mental-health-support-young-people-coronavirus-a9611661.html

Related Case Studies

See all

Domestic abuse charity, Your Sanctuary, has been providing lifesaving support to survivors of domestic abuse since 1977. The Community Foundation for Surrey is a long-term supporter of Your Sanctuary, having awarded 19 grants to the local charity over the past 11 years.

Sanctuary for Survivors

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 urges local support to alleviate the urgent pressures facing our communities.

SURREY CHARITIES DESPERATELY IN NEED OF FURTHER FUNDING

Surrey is a “leading example” of a local authority that recognises the critical need of safe refuge spaces for women fleeing domestic abuse. Find out how, together with local partners, we are supporting this prevalent Surrey issue.

Coming together to address Domestic Abuse in Surrey

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)

Related Case Studies

See all

Domestic abuse charity, Your Sanctuary, has been providing lifesaving support to survivors of domestic abuse since 1977. The Community Foundation for Surrey is a long-term supporter of Your Sanctuary, having awarded 19 grants to the local charity over the past 11 years.

Sanctuary for Survivors

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 urges local support to alleviate the urgent pressures facing our communities.

SURREY CHARITIES DESPERATELY IN NEED OF FURTHER FUNDING

Surrey is a “leading example” of a local authority that recognises the critical need of safe refuge spaces for women fleeing domestic abuse. Find out how, together with local partners, we are supporting this prevalent Surrey issue.

Coming together to address Domestic Abuse in Surrey

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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:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Belong: Making Justice Happen, who are based in Woking received funding to provide support, information and basic needs packs for released and incarcerated prisoners
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Family Voice Surrey, based in Leatherhead, received funding to provide online and telephone support to carers in each of the 11 Surrey boroughs
  12. 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
  13. 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)
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. Home-Start Elmbridge obtained funding for a specialist Family Support Worker to help struggling families with parenting and mental health support 
  19. 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 
  20. Home-Start Waverley were awarded a contribution to essential running costs for a charity supporting families with young children facing wide-ranging difficulties
  21. Imago Dei Prison Ministry received funding to support vulnerable and isolated women in prisons, to improve their mental well being
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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 
  27. Oakleaf Enterprise in Guildford, received funding towards their Client Service Outreacher Worker supporting people experiencing mental ill-health and isolation
  28. 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
  29. Painting our World in Silver in Weybridge, obtained funding toward the purchasing of art and craft packages that help the isolated and elderly
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. 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
  38. 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
  39. Surrey Choices Employability received funding to provide IT Equipment and access to WiFi for disabled people and their families
  40. Surrey Family & Mediation Services received funding toward the purchase of equipment and software licences to enable a mediation service to deliver their service online  
  41. Synergy Dance Outreach were awarded a grant to provide remote yoga and exercise classes to older people and people with disabilities
  42. 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
  43. Taylor Made Dreams obtained funding toward food and hygiene parcels for families who have a child suffering from a life-limiting illness
  44. 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
  45. The Woodlarks Centre in Farnham, received a grant to purchase equipment to enable online physiotherapy sessions for people with learning disabilities
  46. 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
  47. Transform Housing and Support were awarded further funding for Personal Protective Equipment for staff and volunteers at a homelessness charity
  48. 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
  49. Waverley Hoppa Community Transport, a transport charity supporting older, disabled and/or vulnerable people, received funding for 3 months of Personal Protective Equipment
  50. 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

Related Case Studies

See all

Domestic abuse charity, Your Sanctuary, has been providing lifesaving support to survivors of domestic abuse since 1977. The Community Foundation for Surrey is a long-term supporter of Your Sanctuary, having awarded 19 grants to the local charity over the past 11 years.

Sanctuary for Survivors

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 urges local support to alleviate the urgent pressures facing our communities.

SURREY CHARITIES DESPERATELY IN NEED OF FURTHER FUNDING

Surrey is a “leading example” of a local authority that recognises the critical need of safe refuge spaces for women fleeing domestic abuse. Find out how, together with local partners, we are supporting this prevalent Surrey issue.

Coming together to address Domestic Abuse in Surrey

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Coming together to address Domestic Abuse in Surrey

3rd July 2020

Coronavirus
Response Fund

Case Study

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“I hate to say it because it’s brought tragedy to so many, but the coronavirus has really lifted this old veil off of domestic abuse and has exposed it for what it is. It’s given people an opportunity to actually think about how awful it would be, because they’ve now experienced isolation.”

 

Charlotte Kneer is CEO of I Choose Freedom (formerly Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid), a charity that accommodates and supports survivors in our four refuges across Surrey.

Charlotte felt “driven by force” to act when she heard about the lockdown restrictions in March. “I had just the biggest sense of connection to all the women that would be experiencing lockdown with their abusers.”

 

Hidden in Plain Sight

The coronavirus has devasted many communities, but Charlotte is glad to at least see much needed attention being paid to the issue of domestic abuse. “I think the very first step that we as a society and a community need is to stop believing that it is not our business to get involved. We need to make the private public because it is everyone’s business.”

In Surrey it is estimated there were 21,400 female victims of domestic abuse prior to the coronavirus crisis.[1] Frustratedly, Charlotte says “You know, the one thing I hear time and time again? Is that domestic abuse doesn’t happen in Surrey. And I can tell you that actually it does happen in Surrey – it happens across all socioeconomic groups, races, religions. There is no area of society that remains untouched by domestic abuse.”

Nationally, some estimate that the number of women killed doubled during lockdown.[2] The difference between a women surviving her abuse and being killed often rests in her ability to leave. Something that Charlotte states plainly, “I know that sounds awful, but that is the reality. This is what these women are fleeing from, the risk of murder.”

This has becoming increasingly difficult as the number of refuge bed spaces in England is 30% below what the Council of Europe recommends.[3]

According to Charlotte though, the county of Surrey is a “leading example” of a local authority that recognises the critical need of these safe refuge spaces for women. “I think that [when there is a needs assessment done] we will all find out that Surrey is providing what it should be providing and is a leading light in provision of refuge spaces.”

The New Refuge

Acting on the urgent calls from community groups, like Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid and Your Sanctuary, Surrey County Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and the Community Foundation for Surrey partnered to create a new building for survivors of domestic abuse.

Over £58,000 was awarded to the domestic abuse charity by the Community Foundation for Surrey. This funding came from the Foundation’s Coronavirus Response Fund Phase 2 grant-making, as well as from the Dora Fedoruk Memorial Fund and the Netherby Trust Fund, both managed by the Community Foundation. Extraordinarily, in the span of four weeks, a building provided by the Council has been fitted with all the benefits of home.

As Charlotte says, “We put a lot of pressure on ourselves really to get it open [for when lockdown ended] because I wanted to be open for when women may have their first opportunity to escape. Literally every friend and their dog has been helping out, getting this place up and running. I haven’t stopped working nights and weekends for the last six weeks really.”

They’ve been able to welcome eight families, with the scope of eventually growing to 20. The quick response by the Community Foundation for Surrey meant the families had all new soft furnishings and white goods. An absolutely vital detail according to Charlotte, “I stayed in a refuge years ago. My son was seven when we went, and I remember him being terrified of this big old building that we stayed in. He wouldn’t even go to the bedroom on his own. So I know that women need to arrive somewhere that feels homely and that makes them feel safe.”

There’s still much to be done. The capacity for the refuge means they must slowly accept new families, and within a minute of a space opening up it is filled. The weight of having to disappoint so many women is tough on Charlotte.

But she remains hopeful. She enjoys seeing what this new building means to the families living there.

“We’re still putting finishing touches to it, but we’ve had women and children come and they absolutely love it. It was important to make this place nice because I think it says to the women when they come in that you’re valued, that you’re worth it.”

Source

[1] https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s43409/Item%207%20-%20Annex%205.pdf

[2] https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/15/domestic-abuse-killings-more-than-double-amid-covid-19-lockdown

[3] https://www.womensaid.org.uk/research-and-publications/the-domestic-abuse-report/

Related Case Studies

See all

Domestic abuse charity, Your Sanctuary, has been providing lifesaving support to survivors of domestic abuse since 1977. The Community Foundation for Surrey is a long-term supporter of Your Sanctuary, having awarded 19 grants to the local charity over the past 11 years.

Sanctuary for Survivors

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 urges local support to alleviate the urgent pressures facing our communities.

SURREY CHARITIES DESPERATELY IN NEED OF FURTHER FUNDING

When the early talks of a lockdown were underway, Emergency Response groups were already thinking about how to gather community volunteers and get support to those that most needed it, fast!

Emergency Response to lockdown