People who isolate are missing out on cash aid
Four out of 10 people who needed financial support to self-isolate at the end of last year say they were not able to access it, new research suggests.
The Red Cross says Issues included schemes or funding not always being available locally, eligibility criteria being too strict, a lack of awareness about discretionary support and a stigma associated with accessing help.
Low earners told to selfisolate by test and trace services are able to apply for a grant to support them while they stay at home but the Red Cross say there are inconsistencies in the schemes.
Overall, 43% said they had been unable to access support.
The Red Cross surveyed 2,000 people in its survey and covers the period between October and December.
The report identifies two groups who have been hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic – the "newly vulnerable" who have never needed help before and don’t know where to turn for support; and people struggling before the crisis who have now been pushed to the brink.
Norman McKinley, executive director of UK operations at the British Red Cross, said: "Our report shows the inextricable link between financial insecurity and mental health.
"We need flexible and easy-to-access cash support to give people back their dignity, while also giving them the breathing room to get back on their feet.
"As we come out of the pandemic, we must develop a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be vulnerable and normalise asking for help – whether practical, emotional or financial."
Specialist nurse Chloe Hammond is taking on a millionstep challenge to raise money to help stroke survivors.
Chloe, 27, from Sunderland, is taking on the Stroke Association’s Stride for Stroke challenge – aiming to take 10,000 steps a day for 120 days.
That adds up to 1.2 million steps – one for every stroke survivor in the UK.
The stroke association is calling for more people to take up the challenge.
Chloe, a neurorehabilitation nurse who works with stroke survivors, has seen the condition hit two members of her own family.
She said: “I have seen first-hand the effect this had on the family.
"Since qualifying as a nurse four years ago, I’ve
worked in neurorehabilitation and also spent time on the acute stroke ward. I love seeing the progress that patients made after joining us from the acute stroke ward.
"Having worked closely with the Stroke Association in the North East, I know how much stroke patients value their support.”
She added: “I hope to raise money which is needed to help more patients and families who have been affected by stroke, while also reducing my own risk through doing more exercise.”
Chloe will be joined her daily walks by her pet pug Rodney.
Joanna McGuinness, head of regional fundraising at the Stroke Association, said: “We know how tough life has been recently. This is especially true for the 1.2 million stroke survivors living in the UK right now.
"Chloe is doing something amazing by walking 1.2 million steps.
“Whether you take on this challenge as a stroke survivor, in memory of a loved one, in support of someone affected by stroke or you just want to help raise crucial funds to rebuild lives after stroke – we are so incredibly grateful.
“A stroke can happen to anyone at any time and it turns lives upside down. However, with the support of people like Chloe, we can help more stroke survivors and their families as they look to rebuild their lives.”
To sign up to this year’s Stride for Stroke, go to https://www.stroke.org.uk/ webform/stride-for-stroke
To sponsor Chloe, go to www.justgiving.com/chloehammond6