Worthing MPs nominate charities for Siding With the Seaside donations from bacta

The Siding With the Seaside campaign was launched last year to support the seaside communities served by bacta members.

Sir Peter Bottomley, Worthing West MP, chose St Barnabas House hospice and Tim Loughton, East Worthing and Shoreham MP, nominated Safe in Sussex.

Each charity will receive £1,000 from bacta and Sir Peter added a personal donation of his own for the Worthing hospice.

Sir Peter said: “Hospice services have been available to all, before, during and after the present crisis. The lovely staff, the thousands of volunteers and everyone in our community will appreciate and welcome this support.”

Wendy Bardsley, fundraising manager at St Barnabas House, said bacta’s donation was hugely appreciated during this challenging time.

She explained: “When the coronavirus crisis struck, our monthly fundraising income plummeted by 70 per cent due to events being cancelled and the closure of our shops.

“Although the constraints are easing, support from local businesses is more important now than ever to make up the shortfall.”

Mr Loughton said Safe in Sussex did an excellent job looking after women and children escaping violent homes and this help with funding could not have come at a more crucial time.

He added: “I am tremendously grateful to bacta and their generous offer to make donations to good causes in coastal towns like those in my constituency who are facing particular challenges in these difficult times.

“I am delighted they have agreed to help the domestic abuse charity Safe in Sussex, which is battling to cope with an increase in demand from victims which tragically has resulted from the current lockdown.”

Sharon Howard, chief executive of Safe in Sussex, said the donation would help with the purchase of technology so staff can work remotely and continue to support people experiencing domestic abuse during the coronavirus pandemic.

She added: “There is growing demand for our vital services at this present time and as a local charity, we rely on the goodwill of the community to enable us to continue to be there for those who need our help.”

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