Mansfield Building Society’s Community Support Scheme has donated £500 to Treetops Hospice Care in Risley, to create care packages to help support children dealing with grief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The parcels have been safely delivered by members of the Therapeutic Services Team at the hospice to children who would normally access the services provided by Treetops, free of charge. The packages include books, toiletries, chocolates and felt tip pens, as well as some useful advice for parents and carers on how to help a child through such a difficult time.

Laura McWha, Business Relationships Manager at Treetops Hospice Care, explained why this support was so important: “Sadly, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic our face to face appointments have been unable to take place, but mental health and wellbeing has had to continue to be a priority during these difficult times,” she said.

“The demand for services has increased, as people have not been able to grieve for their loved ones, or even say their goodbyes, due to the pandemic.

“The children who have received one of our care packages are all between the ages of 7 and 15, and have recently lost a loved one; a parent, carer or sibling. The packages help us to connect with them during this difficult time, which has made people more isolated due to the lockdown.

“So far, more than 50 care packages have been delivered in and around Derbyshire. We’re so grateful to Mansfield Building Society for their generous donation in helping to make this happen.”

Richard Crisp, Commercial Development Executive at the Mansfield Building Society, said: “To lose a loved one is heartbreaking at any time and the COVID-19 circumstances must have made offering help to people even harder. Treetops Hospice Care do a wonderful job of assisting so many families in the local area, and it’s important to make sure this support does not stop because lockdown means people can’t be together.

“We’re proud to help Treetops Hospice maintain their support to the younger members of our local community, by helping to ease their stress and loneliness. It’s reassuring to know that Treetops are looking out for these vulnerable people and offering them care despite the lockdown.”

To find out more about Treetops Hospice Care, visit treetopshospice.org.uk

Mansfield Building Society’s Community Support Scheme funds local groups and organisations in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and meets twice yearly to consider applications. To find out more or to download an application form visit mansfieldbs.co.uk/community-support.

Pictured is Richard Crisp, Mansfield Building Society’s Commercial Development Executive, with Laura McWha, Business Relationships Manager at Treetops Hospice Care.