The Covid-19 crisis has placed staff across all of our sites under unprecedented pressure dealing with the significant challenges of the pandemic; they have experienced the loss of patients to the virus, concern for colleagues and family who have become unwell, being apart from their families to help protect them, and managing extraordinary ways of working to provide the best possible care while keeping themselves safe. Their response has been exceptional, demonstrating a commitment to our community and the NHS, caring for patients and their loved ones with kindness and compassion.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the charity has been able to provide staff with support to make things just a little easier and more comfortable during this challenging time, and these acts of kindness have been hugely appreciated.

Highlights include:

The charity team supported by amazing volunteers packed and distributed thousands of wellbeing packs to staff over six sites from the many donations received from our local community and businesses.

A fantastic fundraiser raised thousands of pounds to purchase and regularly deliver hundreds of boxes of fresh fruit, vegetables and basic groceries for staff.

With support from local restaurants hot meals were readily available every day for staff working on wards caring for patients with coronavirus.

The provision of snacks and drinks for our wellbeing centre, which provided a place for staff to rest and unwind away from their busy areas. The centre has been greatly utilised and hugely appreciated at a time when both the hospital and staff were under great pressure.

Understandably, the crisis has taken an unquestionable toll on our colleagues, and as the everyday realities of managing Covid-19 are realised many are experiencing psychological challenges as they cope not only with the everyday pressures of work as things return to a new normal, but also with the impact of the past few months on their personal lives.

We are committed to continuing to support their wellbeing and thank you for your on-going generosity to help our local NHS heroes as they embark on the road to recovery.

We will continue to keep you up-to-date through our social media and online channels on how your generosity is helping. If you would like more information on the Royal Berks Charity please visit our website https://www.royalberkscharity.co.uk/ or give the team a call on 0118 322 6969.

Please note that any surplus funds from the COVID-19 appeal will be used to continue to support staff across the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust