Across the UK, communities are facing increased restrictions as the country continues to fight the pandemic. At the British Red Cross, we have ceaselessly supported those made most vulnerable by the impact of the virus. We are reflecting on what we have achieved, and how we will continue to help those who need us most at this challenging time.  

Since March, we have helped people with over 342,496 acts of kindness, whether that be by ensuring that they get the food and medicine they need; to helping people home from hospital; or offering psychological support. We launched our Coronavirus Support Line – taking 11,835 calls so far – to provide emotional and practical assistance for people struggling to cope. Over 9,000 British Red Cross volunteers have been supporting communities since March, from helping to make food deliveries to providing welfare calls, support and much needed human contact for people suffering from loneliness.   

There is still a long road ahead of us, as we now turn our attention to not only meeting the ongoing needs of those who continue to be so affected, but also to respond to emerging needs, such as the doubling in the number of people reporting feeling lonely, and supporting the vaccination programme – but donors like the Gamesys Foundation have ensured that the British Red Cross has been there for people who may not have had anywhere else to turn. Thanks to your support, hundreds of thousands of people have received essential help – and know that they are not alone.