COVID-19 Statement

The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has presented us with huge challenges. Like all UK charities, it has reduced our ability to fundraise in the community and our main annual fundraising event, The Barn that Rocks, unfortunately had to be cancelled.

At the outset we agreed that our volunteers and staff were a priority. The majority of volunteers were stood down in March. None of our hospital shop staff were furloughed, despite two of them shielding at home. Thanks to the remaining staff and a small cohort of volunteers, the shop has remained open throughout, in line with government guidelines.

We appreciate that our supporters are still fundraising in aid of Friends of the Friarage. We would advise that you adhere to government guidelines when choosing to organise or carry out fundraising activities. In addition, we advise all of our fundraisers and supporters to follow NHS guidance on how to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus.
We would like to assure the public that the current situation does not change our dedication and commitment to supporting the Friarage Hospital and the local health community. Since March we have reviewed our activities and financial position every month to ensure that we can continue to meet our funding commitments during this immediate crisis and beyond.

The charity is currently working with a local digital marketing company to improve our branding and visibility in the local community, so that the Friends of the Friarage will emerge stronger and even more focused on fundraising so that we can continue to support the development of services at the Friarage Hospital.
As always we would like to thank everybody for your continued support, and ask that you stay up to date with charity news via our website and social media channels, which we will use to deliver key updates.

November 2020