DENS thanks Dacorum community for 'amazing support' during coronavirus pandemic

Today marks a National Day of Reflection
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A homeless charity in Dacorum has thanked the community for the 'amazing support' it has received during the coronavirus pandemic.

As the country marks a National Day of Reflection today (March 23) the CEO of DENS, Wendy Lewington, has thanked the community, and praised the charity's staff volunteers for all the work they have done during the pandemic.

DENS aims to be more than just provide a roof and a bed - the charity wants to be the first port of call for people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion, to support and empower them to take the next positive step in their lives.

DENS CEO, Wendy LewingtonDENS CEO, Wendy Lewington
DENS CEO, Wendy Lewington

Wendy said: "As it has been for everyone, it has been a challenging year for DENS, and most of all for the people we support.

"With each lockdown and change in restrictions, we quickly had to change our ways of working so we could continue to provide our much-needed services, such as our Hostel, Foodbank and Day Centre.

"Weekly welfare calls were made to our community-based clients who could not visit our projects – making sure they did not feel alone, had food and could access medical and wellbeing services.

"Our staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to ensure we can do this.

"In the first two weeks of lockdown last March/April, we saw a 73 per cent increase in use of the Foodbank. Whilst it did plateau over several months, the number of people using the Foodbank remains higher than last year, and shows no signs of decreasing.

"DENS would not have got through the last year without the amazing support of our local community; whether it be donations to our foodbank, making a cash donation, local fundraising events or donations from local companies.

"We cannot thank our community enough. Thank you for supporting us, so we can continue to support those in need in Dacorum.”