Stepping up to help more people
Simplyhealth reinvests up to 10% of its profits into charitable causes every year, providing financial and volunteer support to large and small causes who share our values. Diabetes UK is currently receiving an unprecedented number of queries via their online and telephone services – they have seen a 400% increase in phone calls alone. These numbers are likely to increase, but the priority will remain to ensure that people with diabetes have the support they need in this difficult time.
Those with health conditions like diabetes are at greater risk of severe symptoms and complications if they contract the Coronavirus. We built a relationship with Diabetes UK during 2019 and so in 2020, with the coronavirus crisis, we felt compelled to help them again, by responding quickly to provide funding in this time of great need.
We’re committed to helping people access the healthcare they need. Diabetes UK enables people to access the help and support they need by phone, website and webchat, providing reassurance at a worrying time. During the coronavirus outbreak, they’ve seen more than 500,000 people visit their website and a 10 fold increase in calls from people needing advice and someone to talk to.
As the pandemic continues people with diabetes are having to adapt to the new normal, which includes no longer being able to access the same level of clinical and educational support they’re used to. That is why it is especially important that they are able to contact Diabetes UK for support so that they can manage their condition to the best of their ability.
How our funding will be helping Diabetes UK
Simplyhealth’s significant funding will help Diabetes UK respond to over 20,000 requests for help, information and support from people with or at risk of diabetes at this time:
- Supporting more than 20,000 people through their 24/7 online forum
Which can help people with diabetes feel less isolated and get access to essential information and peer-to-peer support
- Providing a listening ear to 500-600 people per day by phone
With a team of 22, answering concerns about their diabetes management and accessing medication and food
- Responding to over 800 emails, webchats and social media posts every day
Signposting people to the crucial support services they desperately need.
Diabetes UK are tirelessly giving it their all
The Diabetes UK team are providing up-to-date information and sound evidence-based guidance through their website and social media channels. Their dedicated digital and content teams have been working tirelessly to keep their clinically-approved coronavirus advice up-to-date. Over the coming weeks, they’ll be working to add new online support with fresh tailored content to keep people physically and emotionally well throughout this challenging period. Much like Simplyhealth, they’ll be helping people to stay active at home.
We’ll help more people, together
Together, Diabetes UK and Simplyhealth will be providing even more much-needed information that could save lives, around medication and hospital appointments, fund innovative research and provide support for NHS staff as well as emotional support for thousands of people every day. Our donation will go to where it’s needed most, in support of vital, frontline services that are helping some of the most vulnerable people in society right now.
