Heart of Bucks appeal funds reach struggling business owners

The UK economy shrunk by a historic 20% in April due to the COVID-19 outbreak, with virtually all industries facing severe impacts through lockdown. Despite wide and far-reaching central government support, there are still gaps within this provision; in particular, the self-employed and fledgling companies in their first and second years of trading.

With £5,000 from the Bucks Coronavirus Response Appeal run by Heart of Bucks, Buckinghamshire Business First was able to distribute ten £500 grants to individuals in Buckinghamshire suffering hardship as a result of business disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants were distributed as part of a Bucks COVID-19 Emergency Appeal initiative.

Grants were awarded to ten individuals within Buckinghamshire across a wide range of industries, with beneficiaries including a food vendor, a beauty therapist, a children's sports coach, a butcher and a courier, all of whose livelihoods were hugely impacted by the financial implications that the virus has had on the economy.

Lindengate’s free drop-ins for all NHS and key and essential workers

Lindengate Mental Health Charity, based over a stunning 5 acre Therapeutic Garden and wildlife haven near Wendover, launched their Rest and Reflect programme in June, supporting NHS and key and essential workers and those affected by bereavement from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lindengate explain:

“Lindengate offers support to key workers and essential workers in a beautiful, unique 5-acre garden, where there are no demands and people are able to breathe and take time for themselves. The richness of the environment enables the nurturing power of nature to gently help people find those all-important moments of peace.

“Our Rest and Reflect sessions have been very popular and we are looking forward to seeing any key workers and essential workers (anyone who has been working throughout the pandemic in hospitals, health and care settings, schools, emergency services, social care, essential shops and delivery service etc.) over the coming weeks.

Can I visit more than once? Yes! We are open from now until the end of August 2020. Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday – 4pm -7pm (last entry 6:30pm). Saturdays - 1:30pm-4:30pm (last entry 4pm). Parking and entry to the site is free.

Can I bring my children? Yes! On Saturdays you can bring children you are looking after - although we will kindly request adults ensure children respect that the environment is being used to enable relaxation - plants and wildlife need space too!

What to expect - on arrival, you will be able to walk via a one-way system around the gardens, having the opportunity to relax with nature. There will also be opportunities for spending time sitting in some of the “just be” places, either in the wild spaces or more formal areas. Lindengate’s trained staff and volunteers will be on hand if required.

On leaving Lindengate, you will be given the chance to take home a gift from Lindengate’s gardens, and from July onwards and whilst the harvest is abundant, this will include fresh produce from the extensive kitchen gardens as a token of our appreciation.

See what people are already saying about Rest and Reflect:

• "This is beautiful, if people come here and see this they might tell others - I feel knowing there is a listening ear may be beneficial to some.”
• "I feel really relaxed - it has done me a world of good just walking around and taking this in."
• "Please do not underestimate what you do here, it is clear you have spent a lot of time thinking things through. I feel very safe and supported."

View this promotional flyer for more information, and read this flyer before you visit.

Further information can be found on our website at www.lindengate.org, or please email info@lindengate.org.uk.

Can you support Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research?

Can you help Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research (SMSR) with the below fundraising opportunities?

Design a Wheelchair with the Wow Factor - a competition for children! £50 WHSmith voucher for the winners, thanks to George David Estate Agents.

Run the London ASICS Virtual 10k and support SMSR in the process!

Join in the SMSR Virtual Quiz on July 18th!

Reports reveal where Bucks communities need more help

Two new data-driven reports on Buckinghamshire give overview of areas that are thriving, where help is needed and its voluntary sector.

Community Impact Bucks and Heart of Bucks have published two new reports which provide a detailed, data-driven picture of Buckinghamshire, including an overview of where local communities are thriving, areas of need, and a snapshot of the voluntary sector. These reports will help local organisations, including voluntary sector organisations and the cross-sector partners they work with, to enhance the way they work together to meet the needs of Buckinghamshire communities.

• Buckinghamshire Uncovered is a report driven by local and national data on Buckinghamshire that highlights the aspects of our community that are thriving and where help is needed most. Heart of Bucks looks at six funding ‘impact categories’: Physical and Mental Health, Wellbeing and Safety; The Arts, Culture and Heritage; Education and Employment; Community Cohesion; Reduction of Isolation and Disadvantage; and Environment and Public Spaces.
• State of the Sector Report 2019 gives an insight into where Bucks voluntary groups are operating and what they are doing, as well as providing evidence of the challenges they face, such as funding, increasing demand for services and the continuing impacts of austerity. The report, which looks at the sector within a wider national context, will help organisations from across the sectors work together to plan and fund activity where it is most needed.

Stay informed of the latest business support re: COVID-19

Remember to visit our COVID-19 business support hub for the latest support and information from the government, business support organisations and other avenues of support. Bookmark www.bbf.uk.com/covid-19 so you can easily find it in the future.