UK safety expert Arco has joined forces with the National Emergencies Trust (NET), an independent charity that raises and distributes funds at speed during domestic crises, with a major donation to support their core funding. 

The NET’s recent Coronavirus Appeal has raised £94m to support people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic UK-wide, including the isolated, shielding and vulnerable.

The quarter of a million-pound donation from Arco towards the NET’s core funding, will continue to enable the NET to activate appeals at speed when the worst happens, by preparing and building its fundraising strategies and networks, liaising with the Government and wider sector to ensure policies and processes reflect survivor needs, and collaborating with them to ensure collective and immediate support for survivors. 

Lord Richard Dannatt, Chairman of the National Emergencies Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Arco to The National Emergencies Trust’s Patron’s Circle. Their support for our core activities is invaluable, enabling us to develop, prepare and grow so that when the next national disaster arises, we can be ready to launch an appeal at speed, getting vital funds out to those in urgent need. We are hugely grateful for their support.”

Emergencies require rapid response and the NET creates a shared point of reference so that the public can donate to one central organisation, to limit confusion and ensure people receive the help they need quickly. During its recent Coronavirus Appeal, the NET allocated £89m to Community Foundations and other national funding partners across the UK as fairly as possible. In turn, helping to respond to the inequalities faced by the most-at-risk groups in society. 

Arco, now a ‘Core Funder’ and member of NET’s ‘Patrons Circle’, has been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, operating as a key supplier to the NHS, ambulance services, local authorities, other public health bodies and critical industries. 

This year, Arco’s Community Panel also invited employees to apply for 42 one off grants of up to £1,000 on behalf of organisations and charities in their local communities that required vital support or funding during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in donations totalling £41,600 to support local community organisations. 

David Evison, Managing Director of Arco, said: "We believe safety is a fundamental human right. This year's emergency has had devastating repercussions for the welfare of our communities, and the NET can channel our determination to help in the best possible way. The £250,000 donation to the NET forms part of Arco’s commitment to support good causes each year. Arco is honoured to support the NET’s mission to help those affected by a national emergency at their time of greatest need.”