Changes to Hetty's Helpline
Event Date: 1st July 2022
Dear Friends of Hetty’s,
I hope that you and your loved ones are keeping well?
I am writing to share some up and coming news regarding imminent changes to Hetty’s service provision.
As you may be aware Hetty’s extended its helpline hours throughout the COVID19 pandemic to ensure that all families had appropriate access to support through some of the most challenging times of their lives. Hetty’s extended the helpline until 9pm, 7 days per week, especially for families who found themselves home schooling, or could not access support during the day time hours. Hetty’s are proud to have done this and met the needs of so many vulnerable people.
The extended helpline support, was an aspect of Hetty’s service we hoped to maintain, however analyzing the statistical data over the last 12 months, the helpline has only been accessed 93 times after 6pm, so is no longer a service that we feel is sustainably viable.
It costs a vast amount of time, money and resources to maintain Hetty’s services, 7 days per week. Whilst Hetty’s receives funding through CGL and the Lottery, we still find ourselves in a position where the charity has to raise an additional 37% of its own funding every year. For those of you who help us to fundraise through various events, raffles, sponsorships and monthly giving, we are extremely grateful and hope that you continue to support us.
As of the 1st July 2022, Hetty’s helpline will be available from 9am – 6pm daily, it is our intention to keep the helpline open during the weekends for the foreseeable future. This is not a decision that has come lightly to us and I know that some of you will be highly disappointed. We will not leave you without some form of support after 6pm. We have partnered with The Crisis Sanctuary, who run services from 6pm – 11pm daily across Nottinghamshire and they will be available to assist you and be a listening ear and in times of need and crisis.
I must stress that it is only Hetty’s helpline that will close at 6pm, Hetty’s will still offer:
- Evening support groups
- WhatsApp groups
- 1-1 and telephone appointments in the evening for those who cannot access during the day.
The Crisis Sanctuary is open 7 days per week, their intervention workers are trained to listen, support and signpost individuals. Drop in sessions are available in Beeston, Worksop and Mansfield. The Crisis Sanctuary helpline number is 01158441846. We will be working closely with the Crisis Sanctuary to ensure this is a smooth transition.
If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Debbie Knowles
