STAFF at big hearted Redditch organisation Reach CIC have said a big thank you to Vicky Gaffey, landlady at The Duck Inn, for all her support during the pandemic.
Reach CIC has been a key player in helping some of the most vulnerable in Redditch cope in the Covid-19 pandemic, right from when it first broke out in early 2020 to today.
In the process they’ve made and taken thousands of phone calls to help combat feelings of isolation and organised countless food deliveries and help for people fearing to go out.
During that time staff have been reliant on funding, grants and donations and the goodwill of volunteers to keep everything running smoothly, which is where Vicky, landlady of the Oakenshaw watering hole came in.
“Both she and her customers have been absolutely brilliant,” said Reach CIC director Rachel Ind.
“At the start of the pandemic she was a volunteer helping to deliver a lot of meals, and then, since she re-opened the pub, she has been running bingo nights as a fundraiser for us, so we can’t thank her enough.”
And even though the pandemic may beginning to slowly recede the work of Reach CIC continues.
“We’re doing a lot of work with financial support, especially around the changes to Universal Credit,” said Rachel.
“And there’s also quite a bit we’re doing with schools and parents, but month by month it all changes.
“Currently it’s very challenging for people, there’s the effect on their finances, mental health issues for both parents and children and we’re still supporting older people in the community too.”
