The Drinks Trust calls for donations to support industry during coronavirus

Trade charity The Drinks Trust is asking for donations so it can bolster its helpline team and support workers amid the coronavirus crisis.

The charity is fundraising to increase the capacity of its helpline “five-fold” and the volume of complementary therapy services it offers.

“Having thought about how best to assist the people of the drinks industry, and given that there is so much uncertainty, we are dedicated to helping people with the anxiety they may be facing as a result, and to help them to manage this,” a spokesperson said.

The head of industry body UKHospitality, Kate Nichols, said this week that more than one million jobs could be lost in 24 hours as consumers avoid on-trade venues as advised by the UK government due to coronavirus.

The Drinks Trust will continue to support people financially, but a spokesperson said the volume of people who may be affected “makes the cost of financial support very challenging, particularly given we are a small charity.”

Therefore, the charity is asking for people to donate to its campaign “in order to support colleagues who are facing significant challenges and uncertainty.”

“We are also asking all businesses in the industry who can, to renew or become business partners of The Drinks Trust. These funds will help support the most vulnerable in our industry and also increase the services and support the Trust is now dedicated to delivering.”