Summer 2021
Same storm, different boats
The COVID-19 crisis is affecting every single one of us. But for each of us, the experience is different.
Our therapists are working with vulnerable local families to help them respond as positively as they can, by providing clients with counselling and therapy on the telephone or via video calls. We are also taking new referrals from social workers and GPs and have seen a surge in demand for our services. As always, our therapists are listening and adapting their response to meet the specific needs of each family.
“It's making me feel much less overwhelmed.”
For clients who were already feeling anxious and isolated, the crisis has exacerbated those feelings. Some have expressed deep despair, voicing concerns about harmful habits returning to their lives. As the weeks unfold, they tell us that talking to someone they trust is helping them to cope.
“It's helping me talk to my son about what's
happening without scaring him.”
Other clients find social situations extremely stressful and for them, lockdown is providing much needed space for stillness and reflection and a chance to develop deeper insight into their situation. In some cases it is strengthening the client/therapist relationship by creating mutual ground for therapy to take place.
“It's all so strange. Much of what I'm experiencing is also affecting my therapist... making it easier for me to open up.”
A few of our clients are grieving the loss of loved ones to the virus. Raw feelings of loss have been amplified because they were unable to have contact in those precious final days.
“I've found WLAC's support invaluable.”
As well as doing all we can to support our clients, we're also doing our best to support our therapists to protect boundaries between home and work and to support them with the challenges of 'remote' therapy. Our therapists now have less contact with each other; in more normal times, chats between colleagues in the office is an extremely important source of support. Plus they are having to respond to the ongoing crisis and uncertainty in their own lives.
“I miss the faces, smiles, the laughter and the warmth of my work family.”
We may all be in different boats but rest assured we are working together as a team to face all of these challenges. And thanks to you and your ongoing support, we are helping vulnerable children and their families to cope. I hope you and your families stay well.
With best wishes,
Match Funding Opportunity!
Between 23rd & 30th June your donations will be matched!
Lockdown has not only affected the wellbeing of our clients, but also WLAC's regular fundraising opportunities.
The London Marathon and many other important annual events have been cancelled or postponed, leaving many charities anticipating a 50% drop in revenue.
In response, The Childhood Trust is running a special match funding campaign.
We are hoping to raise £20,000 for WLAC, but we need your help.
The donation link and more details to follow but please be on standby to donate! Thank you.
We did it!
Huge thanks to quizmaster Simon London and the more than 60 teams who took part in our No Sweat Zoom Quiz on 26th April, the day on which the London Marathon would have taken place, but for the lockdown.
With questions ranging in subject matter from the Periodic Table to Harry Potter and many laughs along the way, the worthy winners were the Price family. Thank you very much.
The donations will make a difference to families at risk in West London.
