Giving agency and choice in a time of crisis.

The effects of COVID-19 remain very significant for people with disabilities living in poverty on Koh Dach Island. Families living in poverty are losing their already limited income as jobs across all sectors are lost. In response, EmbraceAbility has been providing Prevention Pack parcels full of essentials like food, medicine, therapy equipment and sanitary products, alongside frequent phone support to share the most up-to-date information on the pandemic.

But we want to go further. We want to give agency and choice to our beneficiaries. We want to stimulate the markets and economy of Koh Dach Island. We want to ensure that local people can support their families, protect their reduced income, and go about their way of life as much as possible.

EmbraceAbility has now started a Basic Assistance Cash Transfer programme. Every month, we transfer small cash sums to local shops on Koh Dach Island, which are redeemed by families for the purchase of essential food and supplies. Catering to the emergency needs of 111 people, this small income supplement gives more freedom, more breadth to the food and nutrition available, and more investment in local shops and markets.

By donating just £20, you can provide basic assistance, a care package and regular support to one family. Each care package will include the following essentials:

  • Dry food (rice and other non-perishable items) 

  • Babyfood

  • Water 

  • Paracetamol 

  • Medical Gloves 

  • First Aid supplies 

  • Soap/hand sanitiser 

  • Menstrual Products 

  • Nappies 

  • Thermometers 

  • Rehydration sachets 

  • Information about COVID-19 from the World Health Organisation (in picture form as well as words)

  • A phone call with a fully qualified nurse explaining the situation to each family with hygiene information.