Charity Focus
Live Preston & Fylde takes a look at ongoing fundraising projects that see thousands of pounds donated to good causes around the region
VITAL SERVICE UNDER THREAT
A Preston-based charity which operates to offer support to victims and survivors of sexual abuse, sexual violence, or rape is facing potential closure unless £500,000 can be raised.
Trust House Lancashire operates to help victims across the county to deal with their trauma, which often involves long-lasting mental health issues.
193,556 sexual offences in England and Wales were recorded by police at the end of March 2022 and the Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated that 1.1 million adults aged 16 years and over experienced sexual assault (798,000 women and 275,000 men). In this last year the charity received 1019 new referrals and worked with 1141 individuals, the youngest client being just four years of age.
A spokesperson for the charity explained: “Becoming a victim of sexual abuse, sexual violence or rape can lead to mental health issues that can last a lifetime and day to day living can be a challenge for the clients that we see.
“Our work improves mental health by reducing self-harm, reducing suicidal thoughts, managing depression, managing anxiety and stress, improving sleep and reducing trauma symptoms such as flashbacks and panic attacks. These victims and survivors need our help, they need us to be here for them in their most desperate times of need.”
A sum of £500,000 needs to be raised by 31st March to be able to keep the charity open and continue offering services to victims and survivors of sexual abuse, sexual violence or rape in Lancashire.
To support the fundraising visit: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/trust-house-lancashire
AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY EXPANDS
The North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA) is expanding its lifesaving services. The charity is introducing blood on board all its vehicles, as well as expanding its night car service from two nights per week to seven nights, due to ongoing demand.
The introduction of blood on all platforms ensures that all vehicles are equipped with blood supplies, allowing critical blood transfusions to be administered at the scene of emergencies.
By providing blood directly to patients before or during transport to hospitals, NWAA can significantly increase survival chances for trauma victims experiencing severe blood loss.
Andy Curran, Medical Director at NWAA said: “This advancement will make a big difference. It means we’re now able to give blood to patients at the roadside, in their gardens, in car parks… essentially, wherever it’s needed.
“Whether we arrive by helicopter or car, our teams will be able to give this lifesaving treatment as early as possible and ultimately, save more lives. We wouldn’t be able to provide this enhancement without our strong supporter base, as a charity we receive no government funding and need £18m each year to continue saving lives.”
The expansion of the charity’s night car service will enable its critical care paramedics and doctors to give critical care coverage from 6pm to 2am, providing emergency interventions for patients in need, 365 days a year.
Andy continued: “We anticipate that our crew will help an additional 1,000 patients per year, due to the expansion of the vital night car service. We want to make sure that people get enhanced pre-hospital care to improve their chances of survival.”
If you want to highlight a charity, please email: ali.gudgeon@live-magazines.co.uk
