ForgottenPAYE have launched a charity fundraising initiative MIND THE GAPS in association with other campaign groups on the #ExcludedUKAPPG:
- NewStarterJustice
- MaternityPetition
- ForgottenLtd
- BBC PAYE freelancers support group
MIND THE GAPS aims to raise £1 million for Samaritans in a bid to help support those struggling with their mental health as a result of falling through the gaps in the government’s coronavirus support schemes.
Spokesperson, Ellie Phillips said: “We have seen rapidly increasing numbers of excluded taxpayers experiencing a steep decline in mental health.
The same themes run through their cries for help: severe financial worries, worthlessness, confusion, hopelessness and feelings of being a burden on those around them.
While the #ExcludedUKAPPG has brought together record numbers of MPs, who are working to help find a solution to the financial exclusion, we felt it imperative that support be readily available now to help those whose mental health has already been affected.
The MIND THE GAPS campaign has a target of £1 million, with all funds raised through our JustGiving page going directly to Samaritans. Donations made will help Samaritans to continue to provide much-needed emotional support to those struggling during this difficult time.”
The free web-based app enables those who may find it difficult to express how they are feeling to a helpline to access support and find coping techniques.
Jamie Stone MP – Chair of the ExcludedUKAPPG with over 240 MPs said:
“The mental toll that being excluded from support has taken on millions of people across the UK is unfathomable. Nobody should have to deal with an unprecedented global pandemic followed immediately by a loss of income.
“This MIND THE GAPS fundraising appeal for Samaritans is absolutely crucial to helping people find a way out of what is, for so many, any extremely difficult period.
I will keep working on the political side with the ExcludedUK APPG, but campaigns like this are invaluable to finding solutions on the human side of this huge issue.”
