Hertfordshire-based charity, The Anne Robson Trust, has today officially unveiled its first-ever Christmas Appeal, #TimeToTalk, to help spread awareness about its national helpline (0808 801 0688), which offers “vital” support to anyone nearing the end of their life, their family, carers, friends, or colleagues, after seeing calls triple to the freephone number over the past six months.
Founder and CEO, Liz Pryor, who set up the charity in 2018 after the unexpected death of her mother in 2010, explained why the pandemic has seen an increasing demand for the helpline service: “As a result of Covid-19, many people have sadly died, or are dying, both from Covid and other illnesses. People dying in hospital, care homes and hospices are now more likely to have limited contact with their families at a time when they really need support. It’s often hard to talk about the emotions experienced in the months, weeks, and days, before your own death or that of a loved one. I know from my own experience how difficult it was to find someone to talk to, ….. it’s vital that people have somewhere to turn to and feel supported.”
She added: “It’s inevitable that we are all going to die one day, and the pandemic has forced us all to consider our own mortality. Most people naturally shy away from conversations about the end of life, but we know that making simple plans, and sharing them with loved ones, can really help people in the months and weeks prior to a death. Our helpline volunteers can talk through why these plans are important and give gentle advice as to how to begin the planning process.”
The helpline, which ‘soft launched’ in March 2021, is manned by a small team of volunteers, and is currently available Monday to Friday, from noon until 6.00pm. It offers pre bereavement support and advice to those facing the end of their life, or the loss of a loved one.
With plans to extend the service in the future, Volunteer, John Carr, from Colchester, explained: “We are very bad at talking about death and dying. People worry about their nearest and dearest and don’t want to burden them. Our helpline is open to all, and we receive calls from all kinds of people, young and old, and some from those who are sadly dying themselves and who just want to talk or have questions. We are here to help them through the most difficult period of their life. It’s a huge privilege to be able to ‘be there and have time’. Dying is something that we’re all going to go through so if I can make a small difference towards making it as comfortable as possible, then it’s worth it.”
The UK’s leading bereavement charity, Cruse Bereavement Support, is lending its support to the #TimeToTalk Appeal. Commenting on the campaign, Steven Wibberley, Cruse Chief Executive, said: “At Cruse, we understand the importance of supporting people when a loved one dies. Being able to talk to someone and know you’re not alone is so important for your wellbeing and can help you make sense of how you’re feeling.
“We are proud to be supporting the official launch of the Anne Robson Trust #TimeToTalk Appeal. If you need someone to talk to when you, or someone you know, is facing end of life; you can access support from the free-to-call national helpline on (0808 801 0688).”
The Anne Robson Trust Helpline Manager, Paula Kerswell, explained why the appeal is being launched at this time: “We have a small, yet dynamic team of volunteers based around the country, who provide comfort, support and that all-important ‘listening ear’ to those in their time of need, when perhaps the caller feels that they don’t want to worry close family and friends. We know that facing the end of life can leave many people feeling isolated and alone. Our trained helpline volunteers are here to listen, support, and offer signposting when it’s needed.”
She added: “We’re hoping that through our #TimeToTalk appeal, we can spread awareness throughout the UK about this important service, and in turn, raise funds to extend its rollout over the coming months.”
Liz added: “We believe having somewhere to turn to, and someone to talk to, can be a lifeline to so many people when they need help, that’s why we’re launching our first-ever Christmas Appeal, #TimeToTalk. Any donations will be grateful received and will help us to bring company and comfort to families, now and in the future.”
It costs £20 to fund a helpline volunteer for one hour of support – this could be for one or two callers, and £100 to recruit and train a volunteer. If you would like to make a donation in support of the #TimeToTalk Christmas Appeal, please visit The Anne Robson Trust website here: https://annerobsontrust.org.uk/christmas-helpline-campaign/
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