We are thrilled to have received a £100,000 donation from Barclays.
We are one of 100 charities across the UK to have received the valuable donation as part of Barclays COVID-19 Community Aid Package.
The support package was launched by Barclays in 2020 in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 and is being used to support charity partners who are meeting the immediate needs of people in UK communities, including low income families, those facing financial hardship, isolated elderly people and key workers.
The donation will fund places for almost 200 children and young people to attend breaks at our centres.
Nigel Higgins, Barclays Chairman, said: “COVID-19 has created an unprecedented social and economic impact in the UK, with many experiencing greater hardship due to the crisis.
“Incredible charities such as Go Beyond have been playing a vital role in the UK’s response to the pandemic, ensuring urgent help reaches those most in need of support.
“As a bank we have been doing all we can for our customers, clients and colleagues, and we hope that by partnering with Go Beyond and many other charities across the UK, collectively we can ensure that as many people as possible in the communities in which we live and work are supported through this crisis.”
Suzi McGoldrick, our Director of Income, added: “The last year has been exceptionally challenging for the children and young people our charity supports.
“Many were already living in poverty, caring for loved ones, grieving or suffering the impacts of bullying and abuse. Their isolation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic has only served to exacerbate their challenging home lives. Many have been unable to leave their homes, seek support or access the salvation of clubs or school.
“For this reason and more, we are humbled and grateful for the generous donation by Barclays.
“As a charity we have faced a challenging year, with shops closed and fundraising events cancelled, so to receive such a significant amount is a huge support to us.
“The sum will enable us to continue providing breaks to children and young people who have faced serious and worsening situations in recent months.
“Our huge thanks go to Barclays and all those behind this initiative for their generosity, and for believing in the power of a break to make a lasting difference to children’s lives.”
As you may know, we launched a series of new COVID secure day breaks in October from our centre in Cornwall, widening places on the breaks to include the children of key workers.
One teacher who booked places for her class said she hadn’t seen the children smile so much in months.
Unfortunately, while schools are once again closed under lockdown 3.0 we have had to stop our breaks, but we’re making plans for when they’re able to re-start.
Suzi added: “When restrictions are lifted, we look forward to welcoming hundreds of children to our centres and ensuring they have the happiest days making memories to last a lifetime.
“We’re opening a cosy library corner at our Coastal Centre in Cornwall, as well as revealing a new vegetable and herb garden for the children to savour warm rays of sunshine, pick their own lunches and feel the calmness of time spent outdoors; a sanctuary we know they’ll relish after what will have been months of isolation for many.”
While our breaks are off, please continue to book places for children and young people who will need a break when services re-start, by emailing coordinators@gobeyond.org.uk or submitting a form online.
And please, if you’re able, join Barclays in continuing to support our vital services.
Suzi finished: “Once again, we are asking for the support of our brilliant community to help children weather the stormiest seas. If you are able to continue giving to us at this time, donate online or call 01822 811020. Thank you.”
