Government's charity bailout welcomed by Herefordshire hospice

Rishi Sunak said charities, including hospices, will receive cash grants to ensure they can meet increased demand as a result of the virus.

Some £360 million direct from Government departments will go to charities providing key services, while smaller charities will benefit from £370 million, including through a grant to the National Lottery Community Fund.

Chris Smart, of St Michael's Hospice in Bartestree, said even though it is a tough time for charities, they are not the only ones finding the current situation difficult.

"It is tough for hospices, but it's no tougher for hospices than it is for other people," he said.

"What we are doing is using the time to plan and prepare to make sure that we are there to support Hereford hospital to care for, treat and look after as many patients as possible.

"We're still caring for people who have already been put into care, we're still open. We're also doing everything we can to support the NHS.

"Your income is going down but the work you need to do is actually increasing.

Mr Smart added the announcement by the Chancellor on April 8 was "a good statement for charities" as the Government also pledged to match the public's donations to the National Emergencies Trust, guaranteeing a minimum of £20 million.

Despite the current lockdown measures, St Michael's Hospice is still carrying on as it would at any other time.

"It is still business as usual and we are still there for people in Hereford who need palliative care," Mr Smart added.

"That may mean some people are wanting to stay away from the hospice, but even for patients who don't want to come to the hospice, our support team is out and about, making phone calls, they're liaising with patients and our hospice at home service."

In the announcement, during the Government's daily coronavirus briefing from Downing Street, it was said the Government will also match fund whatever the public decides to donate to the BBC's Big Night In charity appeal on April 23.

Rishi Sunak (PA Wire)

Mr Sunak said: "Our charities are playing a crucial role in the national fight against coronavirus, supporting those who are most in need.

"It's right we do everything we can to help the sector during this difficult time, which is why we have announced this unprecedented £750 million package of extra funding.

"This will ensure our key charities can continue to deliver the services that millions of people up and down the country rely on.

"For them, shutting up shop at this moment would be to contravene their very purpose, their entire reason to exist.

"Those charities have never been more needed than they are now, and they've never faced such a sudden fall in their funding."

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said he was "delighted" that up to £200 million will go towards hospices.

He said: "The entire charity sector has stepped up as part of our national effort to tackle coronavirus – from helping our NHS heroes to ensuring the most vulnerable among us are cared for properly.

"Hospices have suffered a huge challenge to their funding due to the outbreak of coronavirus, but at the same time continued to play a vital role in delivering compassionate, quality end-of-life care for many people."

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations said the funding was "an important first step", but not enough to stop some charities from being forced to close their doors.

It estimates that charities stand to lose around £4 billion in 12 weeks, and is calling for the Government to review the level of support provided as the crisis continues.