There’s no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on every section of society. Sadly, some of the more damaging consequences have been seen in the UK’s most vulnerable families and communities.
“For over 15 years, AlphaBiolabs have provided DNA, drug and alcohol testing services to local authorities and organisations involved in family law and child welfare,” said AlphaBiolabs Director, Rachel Davenport.
“Drug and alcohol abuse, poverty, violence and child protection issues are all sadly commonplace in the homes that our sample collectors visit every day.
“As a result of our work in this area, we are very aware of the challenges faced by many vulnerable children and families across the UK.”
Unfortunately, these challenges have become even more prevalent during the pandemic. Recent figures already suggest that the series of lockdowns has seen us drink more alcohol, while job losses have plunged more families than ever into financial hardship. For some of the UK’s most deprived communities, life in lockdown only became harder.
Charities can be a vital lifeline for those affected by addiction issues, illness or poverty. But throughout the pandemic, many charities have encountered major challenges of their own. Reduced funding combined with a greater demand for their services has left them struggling to support those most in need.
Analysis conducted by independent charity Pro Bono Economics projected a £4.6 billion loss of income for the UK’s 170,000 charities in the six months to December 2020. And it predicted that some of the country’s smaller and more local charities might be hit hardest.
In response to these findings, AlphaBiolabs have launched their Giving Back campaign to support the crucial work of some of these charities.
AlphaBiolabs have chosen four extraordinary charities that work closely with some of the UK’s most vulnerable children and families:
National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS)
NYAS is a national children’s rights charity providing advocacy and legal representation to children and vulnerable adults.
The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa)
Nacoa offers confidential and judgement-free information, advice, and support to the children of alcohol-dependent parents.
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs (SFAD)
Scottish Families supports anyone concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use in Scotland.
TGP Cymru supports and represents vulnerable children and young people in Wales through a variety of projects.
Proud to Give Back
“We are incredibly proud to offer our support to these four very worthy causes”, continued Rachel Davenport.
“As a DNA, drug and alcohol testing provider, we have direct contact with the communities that depend so much on these charities. We hope that our Giving Back campaign will help them to continue their incredible work.”
Piers Henriques, Head of Communications at Nacoa commented: “Nacoa answered more than 30,000 requests for help in 2020, in spite of a hugely challenging picture for charities during the pandemic. That’s why we are proud charity partners of AlphaBiolabs and their Giving Back campaign, which is championing the needs of the most vulnerable children across the UK.”
Paula Hanford, NYAS Head of Income Generation and Fundraising added: “We are very grateful that AlphaBiolabs have chosen to support NYAS as one of their charities. The donations raised will go towards funding our vital Helpline service, which helps to make sure the voices, wishes and feelings of care-experienced children and young people are heard.”
To learn more about AlphaBiolabs’ legal testing services, contact their Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300 or email testing@alphabiolabs.com.
