Simplyhealth supports local and national charities during the Coronavirus pandemic

Simplyhealth is continuing its long-standing work to support communities in need, through the Covid-19 crisis with charitable donations to local and national charities.

The leading health cash plan and dental plan provider has made a significant donation to Diabetes UK to help support those affected by coronavirus and its associated health risks.

Simplyhealth reinvests up to 10% of its profits into charitable causes every year, providing financial and volunteer support to large and small causes who share our values. Diabetes UK is currently receiving an unprecedented number of queries via their online and telephone services – they have seen a 400% increase in phone calls alone. These numbers are likely to increase, but the priority will remain to ensure that people with diabetes have the support they need in this difficult time.

Diabetes UK enables people to access the help and support they need by phone, website and webchat, providing reassurance at a worrying time. During the coronavirus outbreak, they’ve seen more than 500,000 people visit their website and a 10 fold increase in calls from people needing advice and someone to talk to.

Simplyhealth’s significant funding will help Diabetes UK respond to over 20,000 requests for help, information and support from people who are at risk of serious complications from the coronavirus:

• Supporting more than 20,000 people through its 24/7 online forum, supporting people with diabetes to feel less isolated, offers access to essential information and peer-to-peer support.

• Providing a listening ear to 500-600 people per day by phone by a team of 22 staff to answer concerns about diabetes management and accessing medication and food.

• Responding to over 800 emails, webchats and social media posts every day.

Local donations

Simplyhealth has supported Andover Mind for three years with their youth counselling service in both Andover and Winchester schools, with a donation of £10,000. This can enable them to provide even more counselling for the most vulnerable people. Andover Mind are making contact with isolated and at-risk people including carers. They’ve been trying new approaches to counselling including an online solution, as they extend the ways people can get in touch. They’re also trying one-off first assessment sessions for young people who need to talk. They’ll be monitoring the engagement and expanding their support to parents with stress and anxiety issues.

Unity are providing a Covid-19 helpline and coordinated approach for Test Valley residents and have received a donation of £10,000 from Simplyhealth. The helpline has nearly 400 volunteers and is working with over 80 groups to provide a route for people to call in if they need help to collect prescriptions, receive shopping information or have essential errands.

Trinity Winchester have also received a donation of £10,000 to help support rough sleepers who have been given emergency accommodation to use. They’ll be given nutritious cooked lunches and breakfast packs to help them keep well, along with clean bedding, clothing and hygiene products. The Government advice is to reduce the risk of spreading infection, which our support for Trinity Winchester will help towards.