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Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind (SRSB) and our division Rotherham Sight & Sound (RSS) have both adapted further to respond to the Coronavirus situation over the last two weeks.
As many organisations have had to make changes, so too, has our local charity. Both centres have had to close in line with Government recommendations. However, although many staff had to be furloughed, a skeleton staff, with support from volunteers, continues to support vulnerable clients by continuing with a shopping and medication pick up service for those who do not have a support network in place. The staff are also here to help with urgent benefit queries and advice. Our website and social media is also active with regular updates.
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Our staff and some of our volunteers are making phone calls to people who usually come in to the centre each week. Our Tele-Friends volunteers are still contacting their regular clients and our Tele-Contact volunteers are continuing with their telephone calls, also asking people how they are managing and identifying people who may need additional support.
Deputy General Manager Joanne Ardern, who has been helping to deliver shopping and take calls says “The feedback we have had, from people who are so grateful for our support, is very moving. It makes you realise how much the services that are normally available in our centres mean to people, and how important our activities are to many people’s social lives. We are desperate to return to normal as soon as we can, but obviously that may be some time.”
One client commented “Just want to say from the bottom of my heart thank you for everything you are doing delivering shopping to the vulnerable.”
Fundraising Manager Sue Coggin says “With many fundraising events being cancelled, and losing income, we have now launched an appeal on Just Giving. If anyone is able to support our charity to enable us to continue our vital work, please visit the Just Giving Page
General Manager Steve Hambleton adds, “Our charity has been operating in Sheffield for 160 years. Our anniversary is in September, and we certainly hope that we will be able to continue with our planned celebration, which now will have added importance and significance for the longevity of our charity.”
Clients or members of their families are still able to call SRSB on 0114 272 2757 or email: info@srsb.org.uk Or RSS on 01709 722420 or email: enquiries@rotherss.org.uk
Please keep checking our website for updates.