Overgate Hospice receives a helping hand from Chancellor

In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, front line charities across the UK will receive an additional £750 million in support from the Government.

Charities listed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, include hospices and domestic abuse charities. £360 million will be directly allocated by government departments to charities that are providing key services and helping vulnerable people.

A further £370 million will be given to small to medium sized charities that are supporting their communities, including those delivering food and medicines.

Chief Executive of Overgate Hospice in Elland, Janet Cawtheray commented: “I would like to send our thanks to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, who has announced significant funding to help hospices across the UK who continue to provide expert end of life care to the most vulnerable in our communities.

“Overgate is playing a part in supporting the NHS in its fight against COVID-19, by continuing to provide beds, specialist clinical care and staffing to relieve pressure on the NHS during this emergency.

“We look forward to hearing how the money will be distributed but in the meantime we continue to rely on the incredible support from our supporters to keep our doors open to those in need in Calderdale.”

Mr Sunak, a North Yorkshire MP, said: “Our charities are playing a crucial role in the national fight against coronavirus, supporting those who are most in need.

“It’s right we do everything we can to help the sector during this difficult time, which is why we have announced this unprecedented £750 million package of extra funding.This will ensure our key charities can continue to deliver the services that millions of people up and down the country rely on.”

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock said: “Hospices have suffered a huge challenge to their funding due to the outbreak of coronavirus but at the same time continued to play a vital role in delivering compassionate, quality end-of-life care for many people.

“It’s vitally important we all continue to support our fantastic and hardworking hospices and their staff during this unprecedented time, and the whole country is grateful for the incredible work they do.”

Be a Hospice Hero

During these turbulent times, Overgate Hospice needs the support of the Calderdale community more than ever.

Although the hospice have closed their charity shops, they are still accepting direct debit, online and telephone donations.

They have asked people to not make any unnecessary trips to the hospice and to stay away if you are showing any symptoms.

For more information or to donate to Overgate Hospice, contact the fundraising team on 01422 379151 or email [email protected].

Send in your stories

Are you doing something to help the community during lockdown? Send your stories to [email protected].