Coronavirus: 10 charities to donate to support the vulnerable
The coronavirus outbreak has had a major impact on all of our lives, but particularly for vulnerable people around the country, such as the homeless and survivors of domestic violence.
In addition, those with underlying health conditions and the over 70s are being asked to stay at home for 12 weeks, which charities have warned could worsen the UK's loneliness epidemic.
The Independent has also launched an appeal to help those going hungry because of the coronavirus crisis. Help The Hungry aims to highlight how you can help in your area, with money, food donations or volunteering. The campaign has been backed by a politicians including Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, and Jess Phillips, the Labour MP who recently ran for party leader.
All things considered, there has never been a better time to be philanthropic and make a sizeable donation to charity.
From organisations dedicated to supporting mental health to ones that provide those in need with essential toiletries, read on for a selection of some of the best charities you can donate to if your personal finances allow.
Age UK
Age UK is one of the nation's leading organisations that supports the elderly, proving them with companionship, advice and general assistance.
Given that those over the age of 70 now face months of isolation, it's a brilliant time to help the elderly by making a donation to Age UK that could go towards supporting its friendship services, such as its 24/7 helpline.
The organisation has said demand for its services have surged due to the pandemic, meaning your help is needed now more than ever.
Beauty Banks
Beauty Banks is a small charity that endeavours to support those in need of essential personal care and hygiene products, such as soap, shampoo and shower gel, that they might not otherwise have due to the stockpiling that coronavirus has prompted.
You can support Beauty Banks by heading to its online wish list and purchasing toiletries that will then be packaged and sent to various registered charitable organisations throughout Britain, who will distribute the items to those who need them.
Mind
Being on lockdown can have a major impact on our mental health, which is why leading mental wellbeing charities such as Mind are in major need of support.
By donating just £8 to Mind, you can support the running of its Info Line, a phone line that provides people with vital information about mental health support in their local area.
Or you could donate £21, which will go towards supporting its online peer support community that connects others feeling anxious or lonely during the lockdown.
Little Village
This London-based charity supports young families by donating baby clothes and equipment to those in need.
Since the outbreak began, Little Village has been running a #VirtualVillage campaign that aims to provide struggling families with emergency bundles of essentials such as nappies, wipes and hygiene products.
If you donate £5, it will go towards a jumbo pack of nappies while £7 will provide a mother with a bundle of sanitary products and £60 will fund an entire day of e-cargo bike hire, which the charity uses to distribute the products.
The Trussell Trust
The Trussell Trust has pledged to stop people from going hungry across the country.
With more than 1,200 food bank centres across its network, the charity will spend any donations on getting meals to those who need them most right now.
By donating just £10, you will provide one family with an evening meal.
Women's Aid
Women's Aid is urgently calling on people to help it raise £200,000 to keep it running during this crucial time.
The charity for domestic violence survivors has launched an urgent appeal to support those who may be stuck at home with an abuser due to the lockdown.
There is currently a 23-minute average wait time for women using Women's Aid's helpline. By donating to the organisation, you can help a woman in need to access crucial support faster.
Crisis
Crisis is one of the UK's leading charities for homeless people.
People sleeping rough are more likely to struggle with recovering from respiratory conditions such as Covid-19. And considering that they cannot wash their hands, they need help now more than ever before.
In order to help, Crisis is delivering essentials such as mobile phones to homeless people so they can phone emergency services if they become unwell.
Refuge
Refuge is a charity for survivors of domestic violence. It runs a 24/7 helpline and helps survivors rebuild their lives after domestic abuse.
By donating £5 a month, you could provide emotional support to a child living in an abusive home and by donating £15 a month, you could provide an emergency pack for a woman arriving at a refuge for survivors.
Masks 4 NHS Heroes
Masks for NHS Heroes is a crowdfunding initiative backed by actor James McAvoy that is raising funds to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect healthcare workers against Covid-19 while caring for sick patients.
It was launched by a group of UK-based doctors and GPs who intend to resolve the lack of hospital supplies due to increasing numbers of patients being admitted with coronavirus.
It is providing medical workers with face masks, visors, surgical gowns and gloves.
Donate here
Red Cross
The Red Cross has partnered with National Emergencies Trust (NET) to support those in need during the outbreak.
Donations received will go to local charities and grassroots organisations that can provide vital support to those most affected by the pandemic.
Read more
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