Sudden the charitable service based in Huddersfield, has secured a £100,000 grant from Barclays to support its efforts to help people and communities most impacted by COVID-19.
Sudden is a service for people who have been bereaved by a death that happened unexpectedly, from COVID-19, an undiagnosed medical condition, suicide, road crash, natural disaster, war, terrorism or an incident at work or outdoors.
The service specialises in emotional and practical support to help protect the wellbeing of those bereaved suddenly, especially in the early days and weeks. It also helps people who are caring or responsible for suddenly-bereaved people.
During the current pandemic, Sudden is supporting those suffering from unexpected bereavement at a time when restrictions mean people are often not able to grieve, memorialise or see loved ones for support.
Sudden is a service hosted by the road safety charity Brake, based in Huddersfield, whose acclaimed National Road Victim Service has helped thousands of people since it was set up in 1995 by Chief Executive Mary Williams OBE. The Sudden service was launched in July 2020 after being awarded vital pandemic funding from the Government and the National Lottery Community Fund.
Today's funds from Barclays come part of the bank’s £100m Community Aid Package to support charities that are helping people and communities. Alongside their staff-matched fundraising initiative and the £10m pledged through their 100x100 Programme, Barclays is donating funds to charity partners across the UK, Americas, Asia and Europe to ensure help reaches those who need it most.
Brake’s chief executive, Mary Williams OBE, says: “On behalf of those dealing with sudden and unexpected bereavement, especially during the pandemic, I want to thank Barclays for this very generous donation. It will help us to reach even more people and provide emotional and practical support when it is needed most.”
Dean Fist, Barclays branch manager in Huddersfield, says: “This crisis has had an unprecedented impact across the UK and we know this is an incredibly challenging time for many across the country. By reaching those most in need of support, local charities, such as Sudden have played a vital role in this crisis to date, and no doubt they will do going forward. As a proud member of our community, we are doing everything we can for our customers, clients and colleagues, and we hope that our partnership with Sudden will allow many others to access the help they need as this crisis develops.”
