Charity receives £100,000 from Barclays Community Air Package

An organisation in Warwickshire that cares for people with a range of complex conditions such as MS, Motor Neurone Disease and Parkinson’s Disease, has received a much-needed six-figure grant.

Castel Froma Neuro Care, which operates two sites in Warwickshire – Lillington House and Helen Ley House – has been awarded £100,000 by the Barclays £100m Covid-19 Community Aid Package.

The fund was set up by Barclays Bank to support charities that are helping vulnerable people impacted by Covid-19, and the associated social and economic hardship caused by the crisis.

Castel Froma, which offers permanent care, respite care and therapies to more than 400 people per year, had to pay out for a range of items once the crisis hit, such as PPE and sanitiser.

Marie Bawden, the chief executive of Castel Froma, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this money.

“Over the past year, we’ve had to spend eye-watering sums of money on a range of items to help us protect our staff and patients against Coronavirus.

“So, this money is extremely important as it means we can cover some of those costs and continue to provide the levels of care, support, therapies and services for our patients that we pride ourselves on.”

Nigel Higgins, Barclays Chairman, said: “Covid-19 has created an unprecedented social and economic impact in the UK, with many experiencing greater hardship due to the crisis.

“Incredible charities, such as Castel Froma, have been playing a vital role in the UK’s response to the pandemic, ensuring urgent help reaches those most in need of support.

“As a bank we have been doing all we can for our customers, clients and colleagues, and we hope that by partnering with the Castel Froma and many other charities across the UK, collectively we can ensure that as many people as possible in the communities in which we live and work are supported through this crisis.”