'We want to help' - Racing Welfare urges those in difficulty to seek support

Racing Welfare chief executive Dawn Goodfellow emphasised on Saturday that the charity which supports British racing's workforce remains at the forefront of efforts to provide immediate help to individuals facing hardship during the coronavirus outbreak.

While the BHA's Covid-19 steering group studies the detail of the treasury's new package of measures aimed at retaining and supporting sectors of the workforce that will be temporarily laid off during the global pandemic, Racing Welfare will play a crucial role in offering counselling and assistance in the worrying interim while the scheme is set up.

Goodfellow is also part of the steering group and will be key in feeding in the concerns of those in the industry affected by racing's shutdown in Britain.

Racing Welfare provides a 24-hour helpline as well as several regional centres staffed with trained counsellors, and is planning to increase capacity in the face of an expected increase in demand for practical help.

Dawn Goodfellow: 'We’re here to help'Credit: Edward Whitaker

"It's vital for people to know that help is available to anyone in racing," said Goodfellow. "Everyone is feeling the strain but we really don't want anyone to feel they can't ask for help.

"While 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."

Racing Support Line (24 hour) 0800 6300 443

Racing Welfare teams 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

She added: "While this is an unprecedented crisis, Racing Welfare wants to reassure everyone 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."

The coronavirus death toll in the UK climbed to 233 on Saturday and 5,018 cases, while there have been more than 11,000 deaths and over 275,000 cases of the virus across the world.

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