In response to the COVID-19 pandemic it has unfortunately been necessary to modify many of the current HBCF programs. All of these changes have been in accordance with Health Department guidelines, and they are taken to keep all our clients, supporters and staff safe.
HBCF Office Closure
In order to minimise risk it has been necessary to close our office temporarily and HBCF staff will be working from home.
Transport changes
In order to ensure minimal risk of infection or transmission of coronavirus it has been necessary to suspend all new requests for transport.For the next 4 weeks all booked transport will occur but we will be using a private hire car service to provide this. The hire car company HBCF has engaged to transport clients has put strict cleaning and infection control policies in place.
HBCF paid and volunteer drivers will not be providing transport during this time. This situation will be continually reviewed.
However, if you would prefer a family transport you to and from your appointment and are experiencing financial hardship HBCF can offer fuel cards to cover the petrol expense.
House Cleans and Lawn Maintenance
In order to follow the self- isolation guidelines of the government and keep everyone safe, HBCF will suspend house cleans. These will be re-installed as soon as it is safe to do so.
HBCF can deliver care packages to help through this process. If there are any cleaning supplies or self care items that you need, we will do our best to deliver these to your door.
Lawn Maintenance services will be going ahead however this will be completely contactless.
Care Packages
It is important we all self-isolate during COVID-19. Getting access to self care and cleaning items can be challenging from home. HBCF are putting together care packages to support local families through this challenging time. These will include items like, hand santiser, cleaning products, self care products and a few nice surprises.
If there is are items in particular that you are finding it hard to fund or get delivered please let us know and we will do our best to help you.
If you would like a care package delivered to your door please email: fundraising@hbcf.org.au or contact 0477 760 667.
The packs will begin to be delivered in April. Click here to register for a pack.
Healthy Fresh Food Deliveries
Keeping healthy during this time is important. HBCF will partner with local fresh food vendors to provide fresh food boxes to HBCF families. Clients can choose from either a complete food box or a fruit and vegetable box. These will include: a mix of in season fresh fruit, vegetables, milk, eggs, bread and meat.
If you would like a fresh food box delivered to your door please click here or contact 0477 760 667.
Meditation and Mindfulness – Self Care Support
Over the upcoming weeks, HBCF will begin to provide online meditation and mindfulness resources via the website. These programs are being designed to support hunter families through breast cancer remotely. There will be a range of meditations, video’s, links and support groups available.
Online Breast Cancer Support Groups
HBCF is setting up a series of local online support groups for local women to connect digitally throughout their breast cancer treatment.
We are working hard to get these support groups up and running as soon as possible.
Virginia Rigby Education and School Scholarship Program
This Scholarship is set up to assist families with the educational needs of children who are suffering financial hardship due to breast cancer. This can cover school fees, school costs like books, shoes and backpacks and much more. Contact HBCF if you would like more information.
Is there something else we can help with?
Are you currently going through breast cancer treatment and need some extra support? Please contact HBCF and we will do our very best to help you. If its nappies or formula delivered, cleaning supplies, toilet paper or some check in phone calls from our friendly staff, don’t hesitate to contact HBCF and we can help you through an special request application.
Fundraising and Community Events
All events planned by HBCF up until the end of May have been postponed. We will contact all of our community fundraisers individually over the coming weeks to discuss future events and assist with rescheduling or revising these.
At this time we will not be able to offer services past the next 4 weeks. HBCF is constantly monitoring the situation and will advise all clients when services can be booked in again. HBCF is reviewing this on a weekly basis and a confirmed date will be advised once it is safe to do so.We are all finding this a stressful and anxious time. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us on 0477 760 667.
Resources
A complete list of resources can be found here.
Click here to access these services