A group of charities have formed a national coalition to keep Covid in people’s minds and provide support for those with long-term effects from the virus.
Covid Alliance UK brings together organisations including Asthma & Lung UK, Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, Fifth Sense, Citizens Advice, ENO Breath and Covid-19 UK Families – with Covid Aid acting as overseer.
It aims to provide help to all of those who are “still suffering, struggling to find the right support to overcome issues such as long Covid, grief and bereavement, trauma and financial instability”.
The alliance wants to:
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Provide the best possible support for those affected by Covid-related issues
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Increase the awareness and protections available to minimise the number of people experiencing life-changing effects
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Ensure visibility and provide advocacy as attention shifts elsewhere.
The alliance said: “We continually strive towards this by providing a supportive network for our members, allowing them to coordinate and work together, increasing impact and making more efficient use of time and resources.
“We can also provide a singular voice to advocate on key issues and policies affecting our members, providing a collective national voice and enabling the exchange of information and knowledge across the coalition.
“Together, we will make a difference by enabling our members to make even more of a positive difference through the work they’re doing, helping to reduce the ongoing impact of Covid-19 – improving and saving lives in the process.”
Michael MacLennan, founder and chief executive of Covid Aid, said: “With attention shifting from Covid-19 in the UK – even though there are continuing high rates and millions being affected by long Covid, grief and bereavement, and other pandemic-related issues – it is crucial that organisations in the third and other sectors can work together to ensure that support is provided for those who most need it.”