What does purple mean to you …..?

Are you powerful, grand, extravagant, mysterious or magical ….wearing purple can denote all these things and as part of #GivingTuesday, Cornish businesses are being invited to wear purple for a day and support a local charity.

The Merlin MS Centre is joining thousands of other organisations in the UK participating in, the global day of generosity on December 1, by asking businesses to wear purple to work, whether in the office or at home.

Purple is Merlin MS Centre’s corporate colours - the colour is also associated with  royalty, nobility, luxury, ambition, wealth, extravagance, creativity, wisdom, dignity, grandeur, devotion, peace, pride, and independence.

Brought to the UK in 2014 by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), this year #GivingTuesday offers the opportunity to #GiveBack2020 either by donating to charity, reaffirming commitment to a cause, volunteering time or supporting others by simply helping a friend, neighbour or family member.

In 2020, the global Covid-19 pandemic has caused dramatic repercussions around the world. According to CAF research, charities have reported a significant increase in demand for their services while more than half (53%) have suffered a drop in donations. Charities estimate they will see a ￡10 billion funding gap and without help many may be forced to close their doors.

Tamsin Chapman-Gunner, Digital and Commercial Marketing for the charity said: “Anyone can get involved in the day by either wearing purple or by holding an event."

Gráinne Mathews, #GivingTuesday UK Lead at CAF, adds: “Charities have given us so much this year, from vital food deliveries during lockdown, to developing new ways to deliver services so they could continue to help those in need; all while struggling themselves with cancelled fundraising events and closed charity shops.

"This #GivingTuesday charities need us to be there for them, like they've been there for us. It is time to #GiveBack2020. It's easy, just think of what you have - money, a voice, family, friends, followers, or time - and how that might help."

If you would like to get involved in the day, please contact Tamsin Chapman-Gunner on 01726 885530 or email [email protected]

Background

The Merlin MS Centre, an independent charity located in mid-Cornwall, provides a range of expert care, support and therapies predominantly for people whose lives are affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) but also for those with other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Stroke, ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

MS is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms include loss of mobility, visual impairment, decreased cognitive function, incontinence, and difficulties with speech or swallowing.

People who come to the Merlin MS Centre can access a range of therapies including individual and group physiotherapy, occupational and exercise therapy; podiatry; oxygen therapy (breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurised environment); health and well-being therapies, such as holistic massage, reflexology and Bowen. These can help people better manage their symptoms; improve mobility, strength, flexibility, and circulation; improve sleep patterns; help with pain management and reduce stress and anxiety.

The Centre is available to anyone in Cornwall whose lives are affected by a long-term neurological condition. All clients are registered and are given a health assessment before therapies are undertaken, but they do not need to be referred by a health professional to access the Centre.

The Centre was closed temporarily during Lockdown following Government and Public Health England advice. For some people coming to the Centre for therapies, support and using its subsidised café was the only social contact they had and therefore it acted as a lifeline for many.

During Lockdown it offered some services and advice online and via telephone contact so it could continue to support people living with long term conditions and their families. It identified more than 220 of its most vulnerable service users and provided daily contact, remote exercise programmes, advocacy and signposting to other support services.

Many service users have complex health needs and struggled while the Centre was closed. Following the lifting of the lockdown the charity began a phased reopening with a reduced capacity and some significant changes to its operating procedures.

The charity now also has additional ongoing costs associated with operating in a COVID safe environment. This includes purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for therapy staff; providing sanitisers and wipes; and paying for additional cleaning products.

With no funding from statutory sources and many of raising funds having to stop, it  we really need the support of the local community.