A thank you from the CEO of Leonard Cheshire

I wanted to say a huge thank you to our supporters, volunteers and staff for your determined efforts and immense flexibility during these very difficult times.

Since joining Leonard Cheshire three and a half years ago I have seen countless thousands of acts of generosity, kindness and professionalism from supporters, volunteers and staff. However, in recent times as we grapple with our response to the Coronavirus situation it has been humbling to see this taken to a whole new level.

We can all be proud of the incredible dedication and commitment being shown across the organisation, with everyone doing what they can to maintain the highest standards, and safeguard delivery of vital services and programmes when they are needed most.

Every one of us will have concern and anxiety for family, friends, colleagues and those we serve, and we face undoubted challenges in the months ahead. It is therefore vital that we all support each other to keep people who use our services, colleagues and volunteers safe.

Frontline staff are operating in uncharted territory and we know they are under huge pressure. With many of the people we support in a higher risk category, our priority is to support these staff with every resource at our disposal, so that care of people continues as normally as possible. I also want to extend my appreciation to all in the business continuity team leading our charity’s response, who have been working ferociously hard to prepare for every scenario as Coronavirus cases increase.

This group is making some tough and important calls. Knowledge is power in fighting this virus and I know the group has, with support from others, been working round the clock to keep frontline and support staff informed.

We will protect colleagues, people we support and volunteers who do so much by taking all necessary actions at the right time. We have closed residential services to all but staff and essential visitors in what is a difficult but essential step. Every day we assess our response across the organisation to make sure our action is effective and follows the very latest information available.

Every one of us share a responsibility in helping the battle against Coronavirus and I know that we can rely on every individual in the Leonard Cheshire community to do whatever it takes. We have many more challenges ahead, but together I know we will come through them. Thank you for your efforts thus far and for the contribution you will make in the weeks ahead.

With gratitude and admiration,

Neil