This is an incredibly difficult time for us all and I know that it can be even more challenging for anyone who is struggling with their mental health or experiencing trauma.

Our daily lives have changed and many of us are cut off from our support networks and some confined to settings which aren’t safe or caring.

Some of us are worried about our own health and the health of our friends and loved ones. Some of us are facing additional financial pressures and are anxious about making ends meet. 

Many of us rely on our daily routines to keep us grounded and secure and, during this lockdown, it is impossible for us to continue our lives in exactly the same way we did before.

At SurvivorsUK, we’ve worked hard to respond to these new circumstances in a way that respects the need to play our part in curbing the spread of this virus; but also – and this is crucial – does whatever we can to go on providing all the support and services that are so important to our clients. 

We are aware that in these times, for many, this support is even more crucial than it was before. 

So, whilst I can’t promise that our services will be delivered in exactly the same way as it was before, I can promise that we will do all we can to maintain as much continuity as possible. 

Every part of our service is still being delivered and our support, even if the way it’s being delivered is different, will remain constant throughout this.

I want to thank our fantastic team who have adjusted to the new circumstances so well, driven by their passion for their work and determination to ensure that our clients know that, whatever happens, we’ll do whatever we can to keep supporting them.

I want to also thank our funders who have been extremely supportive during this time and have continued to fund our work, being flexible about exactly how it’s delivered.

And lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank our clients for your understanding and patience and for bearing with us during this time.

During lockdown, as we’re stuck indoors and not able to live our lives in the way that we did before, time can seem to drag and days can seem endless. Coupled with so many additional concerns and anxieties we can start to feel stuck. I know I’ve had days like this.

One of the biggest challenges for me has been to find new ways of reducing stress and anxiety and taking care of myself. 

We recently posted on our website a list of coping mechanisms during this difficult time which was actually shared with us by our clients – I personally found this really helpful.

Though it may sometimes feel that this change to our lives is here to stay, I want to assure you that it’s not permanent. Things will get better. 

In the meantime, if you need our support please do not hesitate to get in touch with us – we’ll do our best to be there for you.

Thanks for listening and take care.