Every day we are all hearing the news that these are 'unprecedented' times. Never have we needed our NHS more than we do now. I know from my colleagues at SCAS just how challenging things are for them and of course, for many of you affected by COVID 19.

So many wonderful members of the public have shown their support for our staff and volunteers by gifting everything from biscuits and chocolate to toilet rolls and soap! And we thank everyone who has done so. It is heart-warming for our teams to know how much you appreciate them.

This year will be an extremely difficult year for us all. Here at South Central Ambulance Charity, we are reviewing and revising our budget for next year and cutting back on our expenditure wherever we can. With all our Summer events and fundraising opportunities on hold, we are anticipating much lower levels of income than ever before.

Our Charity funds equipment, uniform and training for our Community First Responders and Co-Responders and we also help to create better working environments for our frontline staff. None of these areas receive any NHS funding and we rely on your generosity to continue to support all of them.

Never before have we needed our staff and volunteers more or wanted to support them as we do now.

I know that many of you will be facing financial uncertainty of your own and may not be able to support us at this time. We understand this. But if you can and would like to help us to support our ambulance service then please give what you can.

We appreciate all your help and your words of encouragement and support for our staff and volunteers and wish you all a safe journey through these difficult times.