Support we offer during pandemic

I WOULD like to let your readers know the support the British Heart Foundation is offering people with heart and circulatory disease throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

People with heart and circulatory diseases are at increased risk of complications if they develop Covid-19. Heart disease is one of the most common pre-existing health conditions in people who have died with Covid-19.

Understanding what lockdown and the different risk levels mean for people with heart and circulatory disease has been one of the most common enquiries, and the lockdown changes announced last week in England have raised further questions.

The uncertainty of the situation means we can’t answer every question, but we can often reassure people who might feel anxious and provide information and support specific to their condition.

Since the pandemic began, we’ve seen an unprecedented demand for this service. In response we’ve extended our Helpline opening hours, added to its specialist nursing team and launched an appeal to help us continue providing this service.

If you’re feeling unwell or concerned about your heart condition, it’s still vital that you use NHS services as you always would. However, our team of nurses are available if you’re trying to understand what the pandemic means for you or the health of a loved one.

To contact the BHF’s Heart Helpline call 0300 330 3311 or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk.

Maureen Talbot

Head of Clinical Support

British Heart Foundation

Countless acts of kindness shine

It’s true that lights shine brightest on the darkest of days as, since the start of the pandemic, we’ve witnessed countless acts of kindness and the best of humankind.

As the UK marks National Volunteers’ Week on 1-7 June, the Reading District Oddfellows would like to say thank you to, and formally recognise, all the people in our local area who have selflessly stepped forward to help those in need in ways we’ve never seen before.

As with other local organisations supporting older or vulnerable people in the area, including many who live alone or who are shielding, our volunteers have made a huge difference to the scale of help we can offer, such as making welfare check-in calls, organising essential shopping and providing company through befriending and virtual events.

Once again, our most heartfelt thanks go to the individuals who have given their time freely to be a friend to those in desperate need. We will not forget your kindness, and we hope that their example continues to inspire many others to offer their help where possible, long into the future.

Debbie Jex

District Secretary

Reading District Oddfellows

Rugby player supports charity

I’m absolutely delighted to be a patron of Bowel Cancer UK and to be supporting their fundraising campaign Step up for 30. It’s a cause very close to my heart as my dad Paul passed away in March after being diagnosed with bowel cancer four years ago. Sport is obviously a huge part of my life and in these uncertain times exercise is a wonderful way to improve your mental and physical health.

It’s really simple to take part in Step up for 30, just get active each day throughout June and ask people to sponsor you. There are lots of creative and easy ways you can get active throughout the month without any equipment or in and around your home.

Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer. That’s over 42,000 people every year. But with the money raised through events like Step up for 30, Bowel Cancer UK can continue to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.

What are you waiting for? Sign up today visit: bowelcanceruk.org.uk/stepupfor30

Joe Gray

England and Harlequins rugby player

Invaluable help from volunteers

Volunteers are always important. But in challenging times, when our communities need them most, they are invaluable.

I’m so proud of the Scout volunteers in Reading. Together, they are helping hundreds of young people to gain skills for life - helping them speak up, play their part and find their place in the world.

To keep everyone safe, Scouts aren’t able to meet face to face. But this hasn’t stopped our volunteers from supporting young people. So many of our brilliant leaders are still running meetings online, helping Scouts catch up with their friends and continue to earn their awards.

At a time when our children’s education is so badly disrupted, these sessions are providing a sense of normality and continuity that’s so important for their well being. We have also been supporting families across Reading with free resources at scouts.org.uk/the-great-indoors #TheGreatIndoors.

So I’d like to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers, whether you drive the minibus, make the drinks, look after the accounts or help deliver vital skills for life we couldn’t do it without you! It’s your kindness and resilience in these tough times really is so inspiring - and it really is making a difference.

Tim Kidd

UK Chief Commissioner

The Scouts