Sight charity Beacon launches appeal for personal protective equipment
Black Country-based sight loss charity the Beacon Centre has issued an appeal for personal protective equipment (PPE) to help its fight against coronavirus.
The charity, which has been supporting people in the region with sight loss for more than 145 years, has been struggling to source PPE during the pandemic.
Health and well-being interim director, Jan Burns MBE, added: “We have had some fantastic help from local organisations already, but we are still struggling to get what we need due to the nationwide shortage of stock.”
The charity is appealing for gloves, plastic disposable aprons and fluid repellent masks.
Beacon has a team of 28 carers, along with other key workers, who are supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the region during the Covid-19 crisis.
As a result of the pandemic, the charity has transformed its services overnight – with an emergency response team being created to help its members with things such as shopping and medication collection.
Many of Beacon's usual services have had to be temporarily suspended and the organisation has had to rapidly expand others – such as telephone befriending to help meet a surge in demand.
The charity also provides care in the community and for residents living in Beacon Court, a sheltered accommodation facility at its base in Sedgley and Beacon’s catering team is providing more meals than ever before to residents.
Mrs Burns said: “I am so proud of how our team has stepped in to support our members, many of whom are feeling frightened and isolated. We are here to give them hope that they matter and that someone cares because we do.”
The Beacon Centre has also launched an urgent fundraising appeal as it is facing a fundraising crisis due to having to suspend its usual activities and close its retail shops. As a result, the charity is currently losing more than £25,000 a week.
It is asking members of the public to give £5 to help it continue to support its work with those most in need of support.
To donate, text BEACONCRISIS (all one word) to 70085. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.
If you are able to help with the supply of PPE please contact the charity via emailing supportus@beaconvision.org.
