These are unprecedented times for everyone. We sincerely hope that our families, their friends and communities they live in are able to pull together to support each other through this very difficult and worrying time. We know it is not just people’s health and well-being that is the worrying but also the financial impact if jobs are lost, if people have to take time for unpaid leave whether by choice to care for a loved one or forced on them from their work because of lack of business etc. Many businesses across many sectors will be affected.

As a charity who does not charge any fees for its services or have government funding, we are also vulnerable financially. We have had to postpone key fundraising events planned for this summer and you will be aware that major events such as the London and Brighton Marathon have been postponed, along with other events we have bought places in or our supporters were taking part in on our behalf. Clearly this is the right thing to do to protect everyone, especially the most vulnerable. We would also ask that if you had been planning a fundraising event for us in the next few months that involved people coming together, then you also postpone that too.

There is no hiding from it. All of this will significantly affect our income over the next 3-6 months and we are re-forecasting our income/expenditure in light of this. We do not carry high reserves as throughout the year we invest as much as we sensibly can in our direct services to our families.

Rett UK wants to reassure you that we will do everything we possibly can to maintain the same levels of service as we currently do in this challenging climate. Our priority is always to our families and we know you need us more now than ever. We have extended our helpline services and are putting as many resources online as we can that will help you and your family during the next few months.

Our staff team are working from home, however, please be reassured that we are still here for you and at the other end of the phone.

Here is a list of key contacts:

Helpline: 01582 798911

Extended hours to 10pm, seven days a week –
07557 850025 Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays.
07557 850024 Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Office number: 01582 798910

Email: info@rettuk.org

Thank you to everyone who has already asked about making a donation to support our work. Some people have kindly donated what they would have spent on travel to work and coffees! Amazing idea. We are, however, very conscious of how worrying financially this is for families too – many will be affected. We have been holding back posting anything for that reason but people are asking us how they can help. We are grateful if anyone does feel they are able to do so.

Here are our donation details:

Bank Account: Metro Bank,10-20 Castle Street, Luton, LU1 3AJ
Account name Rett UK, Account No: 32450725 Sort Code: 23-05-80
Reference: Please quote your name/company

PayPal payments: info@rettuk.org

JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/rettsyndrome/Donate/

Head of Fundraising: 07929355541 – To discuss future local funding opportunities.

We hope you and your families stay well and together we will get through this.

Becky Jenner, the Trustees and the Rett UK Team

#COVID-19