This year we have some hope on the horizon as more and more of us are receiving vaccinations for Covid-19. However, we’re all going to face fresh challenges as we begin the long path back to normal. So we’re delighted to be able to share with you exciting news about Willow Special Treats, our new service specially designed to help some of the people who have been hardest hit by the pandemic.
Since lockdown began in March 2020 we’ve been working hard to adapt our vital service to the rapidly changing situation. Willow has always been dedicated to helping seriously ill young men and women make precious memories with their loved ones in the toughest times. The need for our service never stops, so neither can we. Over the course of 2020, we introduced Positivity Packs, Special Days at Home, and Special Virtual Experiences – all-new ways of creating special moments while keeping everyone safe.
This week we’re proud to launch our latest project. Special Treats are specially designed comfort packages for young men and women aged 16-40 who are receiving palliative or end-of-life care. We know, from speaking to our own nurse advisors and their health professional contacts across the country, that they have been particularly affected by the pandemic over the past year, with many vital activities at hospices postponed or cancelled completely.
Over the coming few days we’re reaching out to health professionals right across the country to find out who they think would particularly benefit from a Special Treat. Over the coming months, working with our friends at Not Another Bunch of Flowers, we plan to send out hundreds of Special Treats and create some much needed precious moments for seriously ill young men and women and their loved ones.
This project is only possible thanks to Willow’s amazing supporters, who have really rallied to the cause over the past year. We’ll be keeping you up to date with this project as it progresses and the magic moments you are making a reality.
We know that many of you will have suggestions for friends or family who could benefit from a Special Treat. At the moment they’re only available to people who have been referred to us by our trusted health professionals across the country. However, in the coming weeks, we hope to introduce exciting ways you can support Special Treats to reach even further. Make sure to follow us on our social media channels for all the latest developments.