Heather Weir, Chief Executive at Northern Ireland Hospice and Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice said:

Heather Weir, Chief Executive at Northern Ireland Hospice and Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice said:

“The widespread effects of Covid-19 are being felt across the globe within all industries, and the third sector is no exception.

“Charities, such as the Northern Ireland Hospice, are already under great financial pressure and this outbreak adds extra pressure. A further reduction in income would have a devastating impact on our ability to continue caring for the 4000 babies, children and adults and children who rely on our services annually.

“Our Hospice Shops have already seen an 11% reduction in revenue within the last week due to decreased footfall, and this is only likely to decline further.

“Should mass gatherings be cancelled, this will include our upcoming fundraising events which are expected to raise £0.25m in the coming weeks  alone. This, coupled with the increasing demand for our specialist palliative services, poses an unprecedented challenge.

Northern Ireland Hospice has previously spoken out about the need for additional funding to continue offering our vital services to those with life-limiting conditions and that financial support is now needed more than ever.

“The Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £30 billion boost to combat coronavirus threat in Budget 2020 and we are now strongly calling upon Government to consider the third sector and charities  such as the Northern Ireland Hospice when it comes to the allocation of this.

“The impact of further reduction in income should not be underestimated, we hope this will be understood by our Northern Ireland Executive with the release of urgent additional financial support to follow.”

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