STAFF and volunteers at Basildon & Thurrock Hospital and the associated units and hospitals in the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust will be provided with mental health and wellbeing support thanks for a £50,000 donation to the Trust's COVID-19 charity appeal.

The money will also be used to support black, Asian and minority ethnic staff who have been heavily affected during the pandemic. This £50,000 takes the total donated through NHS Charities Together to £228,000.

In total, the COVID-19 Appeal at the Trust has raised more than £565,000 which is being used to rapidly fund projects which can make a difference during lockdown and give continued mental health and wellbeing support for NHS staff in the longer term.

A statement from the Trust says: "The projects these kind donations have already help make a reality for staff and patients, include wellbeing resources to help alleviate staff stress while working under constant pressure; creating fully equipped staff rest areas as places for people to take a break during periods of intensive work and providing alternative transport to work if public transport is not available.

"It's also helped provide care packages for patients including toiletries, puzzle and colouring books and dignity clothing; as well as specialist communication devices in high risk areas to limit face-to-face contact."

Lucy Thomas-Clayton, Director of Charities and Voluntary Services, said: "The charity is grateful to every supporter of the NHS whether you've supported our local appeal, or got behind NHS Charities Together's national fundraising, we really appreciate your support. It's been a huge boost to our NHS staff and the way the community has responded with such generosity during the COVID-19 pandemic has been incredible."