Beechwood’s Year in Review 2020

Beechwood’s Year in Review 2020

A Message from Linda Steggles Chief Executive

“This year certainly hasn’t been the year any of us anticipated and sadly, 2020 has been challenging, strange and sometimes sad, among the many other twists and turns the pandemic has brought.
However, as the year draws to a close, the team at Beechwood would like to thank everyone for the continued support the charity receives – it means so much and more importantly, helps us to continue providing services to those affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. On behalf of the Beechwood team and Board of Trustees, we wish you a safe and peaceful Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.”

Beechwood’s Year in Review

As we have faced many challenges, Beechwood’s team and supporters have continued to demonstrate commitment to our Charity. The Beechwood community have found ways to adapt to the ‘new normal’ to ensure that we can provide our care and support to those who need it.

Thank you to our volunteers, staff, trustees patrons, and everyone who has supported Beechwood throughout the year.

Covid-19

This year has been challenging in many ways for many individuals, businesses, and charities – including Beechwood.

We were saddened by the closure of our Centre doors in March and disappointed that our clients were unable to attend face-to-face appointments, group sessions and other support services we provide. Whilst this was hugely disappointing, we understood the need to adhere to all restrictions and the safety of our clients has been our main priority.

During the course of the first lockdown, we introduced a new remote counselling support service which allowed us to continue providing support to our clients and became a successful method which we are continuing for those who are unable to visit the Centre.
We were delighted when we were able to reopen our Centre doors in September. The Beechwood team worked hard behind the scenes to implement COVID-19 safety measures around the Centre, including one-way systems, staggered appointment times and socially distanced layouts, to name but a few. Clients who preferred face-to-face appointments were warmly welcomed back and the Centre has remained opened since.

Beechwood’s Charity Shops

Our charity shops in Heald Green, Woodley and Chelford Grove have faced uncertainty throughout the year and have readily adapted and adhered to government lockdowns and restrictions. We have implemented COVD-19 safety measures and our shop managers and retail volunteers have been alert in their roles to ensure customer safety. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have contributed their time and efforts to our charity shops in what has been such a difficult year for everybody. We are incredibly lucky to have such kind and generous members of the community who willingly give up their time to support Beechwood.

Community Support

The challenges we faced during this year did not stop the innovative fundraising ideas that our community came up with! Our supporters were beyond imaginative in thinking of new ways they could raise some much needed donations for Beechwood, including the Great Beechwood Bake Off, virtual quizzes, virtual coffee mornings, and plenty of running, walking and keeping fit challenges! The Beechwood choir have also stayed in high spirits by coming together over zoom to practice and socialise together.

In the Summer, we were amazed by the success of our three drive through drop offs that took place. Advertised by the MEN, we received many bags of donations kindly given to us by people all over the North West, fully stocking our Charity shops into the New Year! We would like to thank the volunteers who helped us during these events, many who had been furloughed during this period yet had kindly given their time to help Beechwood.

Centre Refurbishments

Those who have visited these past few months may have noticed a few changes around the Centre at Chelford Grove as we have worked hard behind the scenes, welcoming some much-needed refurbishments. We have introduced a new calming relaxation room for our hypnotherapy sessions and soft furnishings were kindly donated by a local company, which has enabled us to update and modernise the ‘Hub’ so that our clients can sit in a modern, relaxed area. We would like to thank Mulbury for this incredible generosity and ongoing support. As many know, Beechwood’s mission is to provide care and support to those who are going through difficult emotional and health circumstances and it is a huge priority for us that our clients are welcomed in a safe and comforting environment.