Giving some light in the darkness

TO SAY that 2020 has been a “difficult year” is something of an understatement.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected us all, both as individuals and as communities.

Hafal has been no different. We had to adapt quickly to the unexpected change in circumstances in order to maintain our services across Wales – services which have been more vital this year than ever.

Thanks to the dedication, adaptability and downright determination of our staff and volunteers, not to mention the unwavering support of our members, we were able to provide a light in the darkness.

Instead of burying our heads in the sand, we rallied together. In the first two months of lockdown we provided over 34,000 hours of domiciliary care and Supporting People services; nearly 30,000 telephone calls/emails and texts to our clients; over 1,000 calls made through our Mental Health Money & Advice line offering support on debt and wellbeing; and over 8,000 hours of inpatient care.

In addition, we provided nearly 50,000 items of personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks and gloves to our frontline staff so that they could have that all important face-to-face contact with our clients.

Despite the unprecedented conditions in which we were working, Hafal staff, volunteers and members showed that we could pull together and keep delivering a high-quality service to our clients.

We also gave those people a voice on a national level, holding the Welsh Government to account on its response to the Covid-19 crisis.

I want to say a big thank you to everyone, both within and beyond the organisation, for ensuring that we not only survived but thrived during this most challenging of years.

Despite the awful conditions under which we were living and working, we proved what we knew already – that Hafal’s staff, volunteers, members and the wider Welsh public care deeply about the people we support, and we’ll always go the extra mile for them.

On a positive note, I was delighted that one good thing to come out of 2020 was a new mental health minister role for Wales, to which Eluned Morgan was appointed.

I look forward to meeting up again with Eluned in the new year to share with her the priorities for Hafal members and clients.

As a result of 2020’s various challenges, many of us will be looking forward to some festive cheer and family time during the Christmas holidays. However, it’s important to remember that Christmas can itself be a difficult time for many, especially those who find themselves alone.

For Hafal, our work continues uninterrupted through the festive period. Not only will our domiciliary care, inpatient and appropriate adult services run throughout the holidays, we will also be delivering Hafal’s Promise, our commitment to always be there for people in our client group.

That means we’ll be providing continuous support via our online community and digital channels.

If you are one of those people who will find the coming weeks difficult or lonely, please do reach out to someone.

I can’t stress how important it is to share how you are feeling. If we can be of any help then please visit our website – hafal.org – for useful contact details and links.

May I take this opportunity to wish you a very peaceful festive season and a Happy New Year – and watch this space for news of some exciting developments in 2021.