Rounding up the third sector's response #NeverMoreNeeded
Conservation group brings Scots history home
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has created dedicated online learning resources covering key periods including the Jacobite rising and the Battle of Bannockburn. The materials have been made available to teaching staff and pupils, and are aimed at giving access to stories they would normally discover at NTS heritage sites which are currently closed under Covid-19 restrictions. It comes as home schooling looks set to continue north of the Border until the summer holidays, with pupils expected to return to classrooms from 11 August. Katey Boal, Visitor Services Manager (Engagement) for the charity, said the materials had been put together to help children learn about and enjoy the country’s past while society embarks on a slow recovery from the pandemic. “The National Trust for Scotland plays an important role in children’s education and we welcome thousands of school pupils every year as part of our educational programme,” she said.
Battle of the Brits staged for charities
NHS charities will receive at least £100,000 from a new tennis tournament featuring the top British male players. Andy Murray will feature in the behind-closed-doors event, which is being co-organised by his brother Jamie and will raise a minimum of £100,000 for NHS Charities Together. The Battle of the Brits tournament, which will also feature other leading British players, including Kyle Edmund and Dan Evans, will take place between 23 and 28 June at the Lawn Tennis Association's National Tennis Centre in south-west London. Speaking at the launch of the event, Jamie Murray said: “The past few months have been incredibly challenging times for everyone, and we see this event as our way of giving back.”
Refugee fears as coronavirus hits camps
A desperate call has been made to the international community to increase support for Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. On 14 May, the first COVID-19 positive case within the Rohingya refugee community was confirmed as 132 cases have now been reported at the wider district of Cox’s Bazar. UNHCR has currently provided 820,000 face masks for healthcare workers in Cox’s Bazar, along with setting up numerous isolation centres capable of isolating up to 2,000 COVID-19 patients. An additional 18 ICU beds have also been set up in Cox's Bazar main district hospital. “Bangladesh is currently in a general lockdown but the camps are so over packed that social distancing is impossible. Due to the high population density inside the camps and the upcoming cyclone season, there is a strong need for additional preparedness. Medical facilities lack enough ventilators and PPE for the 900,000 Rohingya living in refugee camps should cases spread,” Said Dr. Hussam Al Fakir, Chairman of medical charity UOSSM International.
Vital funding drive for north east cancer charity
Clan Cancer Support has launched a donations appeal in a bid to counter a “significant drop in income” resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. The charity has also seen increased demand for its telephone support, counselling and online services after being forced to close its branches due to the pandemic. The appeal comes as charities across the country report a surge in demand while voluntary income declines. Clan operates in the north and north east of Scotland, with a centre located in Lerwick. The charity has now launched its Here for You campaign which encourages people to donate £10 or whatever they can to help. Chief executive Dr Colette Backwell said: “Coronavirus is the toughest challenge Clan has ever faced, but we are continuing to support our clients through this time. We support over 2,600 people every year and it is more important than ever that Clan continues to be here for them, which is why we are launching the Here for You appeal today.”
Teenagers recruited to help charity shops reopen
Charity shops have struck a deal with a leading youth programme to help fill up to 95,000 volunteer roles as the sector recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Teenagers could help plug a temporary gap in volunteers as shops start reopening their doors, and if enough come forward they could speed up the sector’s recovery and help more shops open sooner. England’s National Citizen Service (NCS) is partnering with charity shops for the first phase of its One Million Hours of Doing Good campaign, which will encourage those aged 16-18 to transform their “summer of disappointment” through volunteering. It estimates around 100,000 teenagers could engage with the programme, based on the uptake of previous schemes, but hopes more will take part given the disruption of normal activities. The Charity Retail Association (CRA) fears up to half of volunteers may be unable to return immediately, due to shielding, public transport struggles and feeling unable to leave the house during the pandemic.
