Stevenage FC Chairman Phil Wallace has said today that everyone associated with the Club should be very proud of what has been achieved so far with the Coronavirus Community Careline, but the next phase of help, directed towards helping the Lister Hospital and its staff, starts now…
“The idea of turning our football club into a Coronavirus Community Careline, utilising the facilities and various skills we have, was born from wanting to make a difference – we are doing that.
“Phase one of supplying food, assistance and a friendly voice to the elderly is up and running, thanks to the incredible efforts of our staff and the logistical leadership of our senior management.
“Now, phase two can start – supporting the fantastic NHS workers at Lister Hospital who are putting their wellbeing on the line to help our community.
“We are already committed to sending freshly made sandwiches in for the NHS staff on a regular basis, with messages of support from the community to go with each drop. That small touch – that message from a real person in the community on every sandwich means a lot to an NHS worker. The more quotes of appreciation of the NHS we get sent in to communitykitchen@stevenagefc.com, the better.
“Now, we move to the next stage. These NHS workers are doing incredible work, for more hours than is good for them, in circumstances that are mentally draining, and the effects of this virus have only just started.
“I am in direct contact with the Head of Engagement at Lister Hospital and have pledged that the Club will help find whatever they need to provide the valuable ‘down time’ that our NHS workers need.
“Our starting point is to help convert an existing area within the hospital into a dedicated rest area for NHS staff – an area they can go to in times of stress or break to unwind.
“These people need our help, now. We at Stevenage Football Club will act as a conduit and will help make it happen.
“We are now asking you to pledge any of the following by emailing care@stevenagefc.com or by calling 01438 222222.
- Good quality lounge seating and coffee tables
- Water dispensers
- Vending machines
- Up-to-date magazines
- Music system
- Manual therapy equipment and therapists (head/shoulder massage)
“This will be just the start of our support for our local hospital and our local NHS staff. Let’s all make the effort to help them help us.”