As community centres and charities re-open their doors from the 12th April, In Kind Direct is partnering with corporate partners including Amazon, Essity, P&G, PZ Cussons and Unilever to donate much needed products such as kettles, drinks, snacks and cleaning essentials. 52%* of charities in the West Midlands are combating increased isolation as a result of the pandemic, and tackling mental health issues exacerbated by the isolation and loneliness caused by the pandemic is an urgent priority in the coming months.
Nikki, spokesperson for Home-Start charity in Kettering, adds: “We have been able to provide continued support to families with young children throughout the lockdown with care packs of washing powder, toiletries and other essential items that we get from In Kind Direct. We can’t wait for our baby and toddler groups to start up again. We’ll be making sure our centres are clean and safe for reopening, welcoming mums and babies born this last year who have not had the chance to meet and play with others their own age yet.”
Research carried out by In Kind Direct in January also found that:
- 46%* of charities in the East Midlands are supporting people who are shielding or self-isolating
- 46%* of charities in East Midlands will be focused on keeping people clean and well as they re-open
The work of In Kind Direct, founded by HRH Prince Charles in 1996, focuses on uniting companies and communities to help those in need by distributing consumer goods donated by companies to UK charitable organisations working in the UK and overseas.
Rosanne Gray, CEO In Kind Direct, said, “We all know the value of meeting with people in person, feeling the warmth of a friendly smile is priceless! We are committed to getting much needed products to communities all over the UK to ensure some sense of normality can start to be restored. These essential products will for many individuals make the difference between socialising in a community space and continuing to be lonely. We urge more businesses to come forward to donate products or services, which In Kind Direct can distribute nationwide through our charitable network.”
Businesses who wish to work with In Kind Direct on an ongoing or one-off contribution can contact: donations@inkinddirect.org
Charitable organisations seeking donations, and wider products from In Kind Direct can register via: inkinddirect.org
Reference:
*Quarterly Impact Survey January 2021 by In Kind Direct: 865 respondents from the In Kind Direct charity network