I have never been prouder to lead Changing Faces than during this crisis. I have been so humbled by the compassion, generosity and dedication of our team, volunteers and trustees and their resolute focus on the people we are here to support. It is a privilege to work alongside them.
The challenges, isolation and inequalities faced by people with visible differences are as pressing as ever.
Although we have suspended our face-to-face services to keep everyone safe – many of our vital wellbeing services are still available online and by phone.
And we will carry on campaigning so that the voices of our community continue to be heard and people know they are not alone.
Thank you to each and every one of our supporters, funders, donors – you are extraordinary and your generosity makes everything we do possible.
But like so many charities we are expecting significant financial challenges. We have made some tough choices together including use of the Government’s Job Retention Scheme to furlough staff where appropriate, freezing recruitment and delaying some key projects.
If we make sensible financial choices now, we will be in the strongest possible position when things begin to return to normal.
Of course, we need support and income more urgently than ever before. Thank you to each and every one of our supporters, funders, donors – you are extraordinary and your generosity makes everything we do possible. If you feel able to support us now, you can do so here.
Becky Hewitt, Changing Faces CEO
I’d also like to say a massive thank you to the teams at NCVO and ACEVO for fighting so tirelessly for financial support for our sector. The Government’s support package is an important first step – particularly for our wonderful sector colleagues doing critical life-saving work at the front line of the COVID-19 response.
But many vital charities won’t survive unless it is extended. We need their critical services now and when the crises end.
As ever, our community says it best. So my last thought is from our wonderful ambassador Brenda, who says “it takes strength to face each day, with some days harder than others, acknowledging it’s not about doing it all, it’s about doing the best you can”.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about Changing Faces’ response to COVID-19, please email [email protected].