Do you remember...?
When no one could get any toilet roll?
Stock shortages in shops showed us all what it’s like to not know where your next toilet roll is coming from. For too many, worries about affording and accessing basics are a daily concern. Over the last 15 months In Kind Direct has distributed 1.7m rolls of tissue with the support of donors like Andrex and Tork. That’s enough to help 57,000 families for a month (or to wrap around the world almost one and a half times!). For organisations supporting people to shield or providing residential services, a consistent supply is vital.
When delivery drivers became our heroes?
We estimate that 95% of our network have stayed open throughout the crisis. Over half have increased their use of our service. So we stepped up too, increasing our capacity with more warehousing, staff and deliveries at weekends to dispatch 60% more orders than the same time last year.
When you felt safest staying at home?
For many, home has not been a safe place during lockdown. 31% of charities surveyed work with those fleeing domestic violence.71% said people’s well-being or mental health had declined during the pandemic. Products can help those who are alone or in desperate situations to feel valued and cared for.
When we clapped for carers every week?
With frontline staff and volunteers recognised as key workers, community groups and foodbanks adapted to provide outreach support. 71% of our network helped people to self-isolate or shield safely and 62% have been providing essential care–packs. We also delivered “pick-me-up pallets” of essentials and treats direct to NHS workers, with Blue Light Card.
How much better you felt after a haircut?
Everyone should have the chance to look and feel good about themselves. Almost half of the charitable organisations surveyed use products from In Kind Direct to help build self-esteem and increase wellbeing. 70% tell us products help people feel valued and cared for.
When the biggest recession in 11 years was declared?
The financial uncertainty caused by the pandemic has hit our charity network hard. 40% of our charity partners have not been eligible for government support schemes. 60% saw their income decrease as the same proportion saw demand for their service increase.
When Christmas plans had to change last minute?
As restrictions on being with loved ones and financial uncertainty took their toll, the emphasis on maintaining traditions, building memories and finding new ways of togetherness last Christmas had an even greater significance. In Kind Direct’s Christmas with Kindness campaign highlighted the essential products that really were most needed as gifts across the country.
When schools re-opened?
There are a growing number of schools registered to use In Kind Direct’s service to support vulnerable pupils and families. Schools like St Michael’s Pre- School created hundreds of care packs which included toilet roll, cleaning supplies, hygiene products and learning resources.
When community centres and most indoor venues could reopen?
In our most recent survey, 57% of respondents said products from In Kind Direct had helped them to keep their facilities open and safe.
When you could visit friends inside homes again?
85% of charitable organisations said that seeing friends and family face to face was what the people they support were most looking forward to as restrictions eased. 51% said taking part in wellbeing activities such as support groups and 43% said school/education returning to near normal.
July 2021 – When most remaining restrictions were lifted?
The lifting of legal restrictions put the onus on individuals to make decisions about how to manage the risk to themselves and others. Over the summer, In Kind Direct worked closely with our partners to help ensure charitable organisations had access to hygiene and protection products such as face masks so they could continue to open services safely.
