POSTED ON BEHALF OF RACING WELFARE AND THE INDUSTRY COVID-19 STEERING GROUP
As industry leaders focus on how the government’s job retention package can support racing, work is ongoing to respond to cases of immediate hardship and need.
Racing Welfare, the Jockey Club charity that supports the whole of racing’s workforce, has been preparing all week for an expected increase in demand for its services. It’s 24/7 Support Line is open to anyone needing assistance and people can also use a live chat service online if they prefer.
The charity, whose Chief Executive, Dawn Goodfellow is now part of the Industry’s COVID 19 Group, is planning to increase its capacity to channel help to those in immediate need. This is part of a wider discussion with The Racing Foundation about how a range of industry charities can respond to calls for help and assistance.
Racing Welfare’s Support Line is staffed by experienced and trained call handlers who treat requests for help in confidence and are ready to deal with issues ranging from financial hardship to mental health concerns. Dawn Goodfellow said:
“It’s vital for people to know that help is available to anyone in racing. Everyone is feeling the strain but we really don’t want anyone to feel they can’t ask for help. Whilst self-isolation is necessary to combat the virus, we don ‘t want people in racing to feel isolated or with no-one to turn to. We’re here to help so please share your immediate problems with one of our experienced team.
“Whilst this is an unprecedented crisis, Racing Welfare wants to reassure everyone that we remain operational and are here to provide support for ALL of racing’s people. We are aware that people from a whole range of different roles across the industry will be facing hardship and we are continuously monitoring the situation in order to provide up-to-date information and guidance to anyone affected. Racing’s Support Line is open 24/7 on 0800 6300 443 to anyone needing assistance or via live chat online at www.racingwelfare.co.uk”
Racing Welfare teams are also contactable during weekday office hours via the numbers below:
Malton: 01653 696 869
Middleham: 01969 624 123
Lambourn: 01488 670 034
Newmarket: 01638 560 763
Supporting industry people is a key part of the work of the Industry’s COVID19 group. As well as Racing Welfare, a range of other bodies are involved. The BHA’s Industry People team, led by Will Lambe, is redirecting the efforts of its recruitment and training teams to support racing’s response and more details will be given next week.
