Charity news

COVID-19: The Challenges and the Learning for Anna’s Hope

COVID-19 impacted every aspect of life for us all, and our thoughts and hearts go out to those who have experienced loss at this time. The nationwide lock down meant that the routine support Anna’s Hope provides through the Brainbow Service had to stop with little warning. In May 2020 a new system was implemented called Attend Anywhere, which allowed the Anna’s Hope Therapists to conduct appointments online. This required creative approaches to providing the rehabilitation therapy children with a brain tumour require but the use of online appointments had many benefits including less travelling time, a more relaxed environment at home and increased flexibility with appointment times and length. In addition members of the Anna’s Hope Therapy team often travels many miles a week across a huge geography in the East of England which means they cannot see as many children at home they would like to see. As a result of online appointments they are travelling less and can see more children more frequently. Initial feedback from parents indicates that they appreciate the benefit of not having to travel which can often be stressful. Instead of the long journey the child and parents can relax at home in preparation for their therapy session. There are vast amounts of learnings from last 12 months that the Brainbow Service will be taking forward to become part of the normal working patterns and whilst the team are looking forward to seeing the children back in the outpatient spaces resuming activities that had to be put on hold, we will be seeking feedback from the children and their families on new ways of working.

Discover Cambridge from a fresh perspective on foot by taking part in an alternative version of Bridge the Gap!

Through August and September you are invited to explore the beauty and uniqueness of Cambridge, by taking part in a novel alternative to the city’s traditional Bridge the Gap Walk. The family-friendly fundraiser can be completed in one day, or over several days, between Friday 13 August and Friday 10 September, raising funds for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and Romsey Mill. Bridge the Gap, sponsored by The Cambridge Building Society, has historically hosted upwards of 2,000 walkers each year, who have enjoyed a close-up view of the City, stunning Cambridge University Colleges and their beautifully manicured gardens. Last year, with Colleges closed to the public, the organising committee provided a walk with a difference, which was well received by participants who helped to raise over £17,000 which was shared equally by the two much loved local charities. The feedback from the 1,300 who took part was overwhelmingly positive, enjoying the opportunity to take part in something unique, despite not being able to complete a more traditional Bridge the Gap walk. This year, with access to the Colleges still limited, the Bridge the Gap committee have come up with another fantastic walk, showcasing well-known and loved parts of the City. As well as providing previous participants and newcomers with some familiar historic sights, this year’s walk will take in some of the beautiful and overlooked aspects of the city - and learn more about the City than they knew before! The committee believe they have worked hard to create an event which they anticipate will attract long standing supporters of both charities, as well as providing a wonderful chance for Cambridge residents and for people throughout Cambridgeshire to reengage with the City. The carefully crafted route, which covers a distance of about five miles, will be selfguided and can be completed at participants’ own pace and convenience, over a time period and day of their own choosing. The route will include locations and highlights that have not previously featured on Bridge the Gap walks, as well as featuring details in familiar places that may have previously escaped walkers’ notice. The event opened for registrations on Wednesday 26 May, great value at £8 per person, with those under 16 able to take part for free. The fee covers the event pack, which includes a guide booklet filled with route directions and interesting facts; a map detailing the route, and a special activity for those wanting an extra challenge, whilst they walk. Participants will also receive a link to a special podcast prepared by media partners Cambridge 105 Radio, providing further stories and insights about what can be expected along the way. All proceeds including any sponsorship raised by those taking part, will be split evenly between the benefitting charities, Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and Romsey Mill. The route is wheelchair and pushchair friendly, although those taking part should be aware that as this is a self-guided walk and unlike the traditional Bridge the Gap walk the route will not be marshalled, and participants will be responsible for their own safety. Chief Executive for the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, Sharon Allen, said: “Bridge the Gap is a highlight of our year for colleagues, volunteers and supporters. The last year has really encouraged us all to take a moment to look around, value what is on our doorsteps and we’re confident those taking part will really enjoy what we have planned. We may not be able to offer our community the traditional Bridge the Gap experience, but we are delighted to be able to provide an opportunity to put a date in the diary and something special. The money raised through this event is so crucial in funding our vital services. Our care is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and every single person who signs up is supporting our compassionate team to help us to make every moment count for our patients and their families.” Neil Perry, Chief Executive at Romsey Mill, explains how participation in this year’s Bridge the Gap charity walk will also benefit people living in Cambridgeshire: “Bridge the Gap is a brilliant example of Cambridge at its best! People from different situations coming together to participate in a unique event and, in doing so, contributing towards the vital work of two local charities. We love putting this event together and are confident that everyone who takes part will have fun and enjoy themselves. We also know that their participation will help to generate essential funds towards the work of both charities, helping to ensure that vital care and support reaches those in our county who need it most.” Peter Burrows, Chief Executive Officer at The Cambridge Building Society, adds: “We’re delighted to partner with Bridge the Gap, in what is now our thirteenth year as headline sponsor. The Cambridge proudly supports Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and Romsey Mill, and the help they provide to vulnerable people in our community. This a fantastic community led event and we’ll be encouraging our customers, and team members to get involved by putting on their walking boots.” Over the 20 years since it began, more than 38,000 walkers have taken part in Bridge the Gap and over £570,000 has been raised for local charities.