A CHARITY supporting vulnerable Irish people in Britain has launched a new challenge to promote wellbeing while raising money amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Icap (Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy) revealed the new Power of 10 initiative this week – which aims to raise £10,000 for the organisation.
It calls on members of the community to do an activity of their choice 10 times - something which supports their own wellbeing - and then make a donation to the charity via its Virgin Giving page to allow them to help others.
“This is a tough time for us all,” icap explains.
“We’re challenging you to do something that helps your wellbeing during the pandemic and to then make a donation to icap, to help us support others.”
Their suggestions for the challenge include: “Exercise (run, walk or cycle 10K), Post 10 Inspirational Quotes on Facebook or Instagram, Post 10 of your soul food recipes to Facebook or Instagram, Post 10 photos of your lockdown life to Facebook or Instagram.
"Anything else that helps you feel better.”
Icap, which is the only specialist British-based counselling and therapy service supporting people from the Irish community, works with people who are experiencing emotional difficulties such as depression, anxiety and stress.
With clinical centres in London and Birmingham, the charity offers therapy for roughly 200 people each week.
Since the Government lockdown was imposed in March, they have continued their services using telephone and video calls.
Last month the organisation established a new service – a dedicated helpline on 020 72727906 offering support for the Irish community in Britain.
While the charity is as busy as ever during the lockdown, the regulations on social distancing have forced it to cancel planned summer fundraising events.
They hope the Power of 10 challenge will help to generate much needed funds to support their work, with icap CEO Catherine Hennessy explaining: “The challenge is aimed to encourage each of us to do something which helps our wellbeing whilst donating to icap to enable us to continue our services for the community.”
Regarding the impact of the pandemic on their clients, Ms Hennessy added: “The world has changed quickly and dramatically. Aside from worries about the virus, people are concerned about the health and welfare of family - here and in Ireland. Many people have experienced the loss of loved ones or been unable to travel or to attend funerals.
“Added to this are issues such as loneliness and social isolation and worries about job losses and money.
“Such concerns are entirely understandable, and we believe that it is important that people in the community have a chance to talk about their worries”.
If you take up the Power of 10 challenge don’t forget to upload your goal to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and tell everyone what you are doing using the hashtag #icappowerof10.
Icap added: "Then tag five friends and challenge them and ask them to donate too."
Icap’s new helpline can be reached on weekdays on 020 72727906.
To donate to the Power of 10 campaign click here.
For further information click here.
