Phoenix Group is increasing its support to charities in London by donating £20,000 to St Mungo’s, who work to prevent homelessness and support people at every step of their recovery from homelessness. This is part of a UK-wide package of community aid from Phoenix Group in response to COVID-19. The Trussell Trust, which supports a network of food banks, across the UK, with several in the Midlands, will also receive £50,000.

This follows news last month that Phoenix, which has offices in London, was donating £50,000 to its existing charity partner London’s Air Ambulance Charity, who deliver an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London, performing life-savings procedures on-scene that are usually done in the emergency department, and extending its partnership to the end of 2020, given the important role the service is providing in the face of COVID-19.

Charity and housing association St Mungo’s is one of the largest providers of homelessness services in the country, helping more than 30,000 vulnerable people last year through emergency shelter, hostel accommodation, tenancy support, health, skills, advice and employment services.

During Covid-19 St Mungo’s staff, working with partners, have been doing everything they can to keep their clients safe, including helping around 2,700 people who are temporarily housed in otherwise empty individual hotel rooms with food, health checks, activities and support with longer term housing options.

As the Coronavirus outbreak has progressed, more people than ever have needed food banks, with the Trussell Trust’s network across the UK delivering 6,250 emergency food parcels a day during the last two weeks in March. Phoenix Group’s donation will therefore assist the Trussell Trust in supporting food banks to provide emergency food to people unable to afford the essentials during the crisis.

Andy Briggs, CEO, Phoenix Group comments:

“It’s vital we support the important efforts of charities in London, many of whom are facing huge demands for their services at this time, when their finances may be stretched. The longer this pandemic continues, the more people are struggling and rely upon the work of charities like St Mungo’s, the Trussell Trust and London’s Air Ambulance Charity. We believe it’s our duty to donate to protect those that are vulnerable and this small measure is part of Phoenix Group’s wider commitment to support communities across the UK battling the effects of COVID 19.

“At this time of economic and social uncertainty all charities are vulnerable and we recognise how critical it is that financially able businesses help charities continue with their crucial work. We hope that others who are able to do so lend their support.”

Samantha Stapley, Chief Operating Officer at the Trussell Trust, said:

“As the coronavirus outbreak develops, more people are likely to need a food bank’s help. Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure that food banks are able to remain open and have the necessary stocks to respond to this crisis. The support of Phoenix Group will help food banks continue to offer vital emergency food to people who can’t afford the essentials right now. Thank you.”

Last month Phoenix Group announced it would be donating a total of £1 million to aid the Covid-19 relief effort, giving £500,000 of this to charitable organisations working in the communities where the Phoenix Group has regional premises. In recognition of the pandemic’s wide impact, charities providing services to support those who are more vulnerable, including older people, the homeless and vulnerably-housed, are amongst those receiving funds in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Austria. Phoenix has also donated £500,000 to Age UK’s Emergency Coronavirus Appeal, which will help older people who desperately need support during this unprecedented health emergency.