A NEW Forest charity is to receive a grant of more than £6k to help those most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The National Emergencies Trust (NET) has partnered with HIWCF to award New Forest Disability a grant of £6,725.

New Forest Disability has been working throughout lockdown to ensure that residents are receiving the care and support they need.

Jacki Keable, Chief Executive, New Forest Disability said “Thank you very much to NET and HIWCF for providing this funding, which is essential to ensure that we are able to carry out our current services whilst jump starting new projects needed during the pandemic that make a real difference to people’s lives.

"I am very proud of our Team at New Forest Disability who have responded so quickly and safely to the daily challenges presented, whilst actively supporting the local community and looking out for each other.

"In just two days, face-to-face contact had been switched to telephone appointments, a new Befriending Service was launched, staff transferred to home working where possible and a team of volunteers on shifts were in the office manning the helplines, while maintaining social distancing.

"The most vulnerable clients were telephoned, and still receive weekly calls where desired, trying to bring some ‘normality’ to these unprecedented circumstances, especially for the most isolated and often frightened or anxious New Forest residents."

The charity also offered prescription collections, shopping, advocacy and social distance good practice for the shielding clients.