Grocery Aid launches COVID-19 fund

In light of the global pandemic placing a strain on food supply chains and stores, national charity GroceryAid have set up a Covid-19 Fund to help grocery colleagues deal with the impact. The industry as a whole has faced extreme pressure during this time, with many unable to work from home, putting themselves at risk to provide food for the nation. GroceryAid has invested an initial £1.5m into the Covid-19 Fund in order to supply people in the industry with both emotional support and financial assistance throughout this unprecedented time.

Mental health support is a key focus for the fund, as the shock, anxieties and stresses that arise during a pandemic take their toll. With business being affected and additional worries including the health of our loved ones looming, GroceryAid have set up a number of online support options for grocery colleagues to access no matter how long they have worked in the industry.

Immediate ‘in the moment’ support is provided in the form of a 24/7 helpline run by BACP trained counsellors, structured counselling sessions and online CBT Courses. Colleagues can also access a health and wellbeing online portal, where they can find self help guides and wellbeing sessions, alongside the support of Woebot, an AI counsellor available for iPhone or Android.

For people facing exceptional hardship during this time, crisis grants are available to colleagues with a year’s service in the industry. Those facing unexpected financial emergencies can receive a non-repayable sum, dependent on criteria including household net income and savings. Whether you currently work in the grocery industry, or have previously worked in it for five years or more, the grants are available to the hardest hit by the effects of coronavirus.

GroceryAid are also providing financial assistance for those who have lost a loved one as a result of Covid-19. Bereavement support is available to both grocery colleagues who have lost someone from their immediate family and to the immediate family of those who have passed away due to coronavirus whilst working in the industry.

Meanwhile, as a result of the ever-changing situation, food redistribution charity FareShare is calling on businesses that have the means to donate surplus food to be distributed amongst vulnerable communities. An urgent appeal has been launched to raise funds to help maintain their work during this time of high demand, ensuring that vulnerable people are not at increased risk of hunger. Strict health and safety measures are in place throughout all divisions of the charity to protect the wellbeing of staff, volunteers and those receiving food from the charity.

Find out more about the GroceryAid Covid-19 fund here. You can also contact the confidential 24/7 GroceryAid Helpline on 08088 021 122 for a wide range of help and advice, or email welfare@groceryaid.org.uk.