With the closure of many courts in the UK, and in particular the suspension of almost all jury trials, many self-employed barristers are gravely affected. This disproportionately affects those doing publicly funded work, who are performing a vital public service albeit with little public recognition. Many are, or very shortly will be, in acute financial difficulties through no fault of their own. In many cases Government assistance will not be available to these individuals, or will be available too late to meet their basic short term needs. The BBA is expecting a high volume of applications due to the pandemic and will endeavour to support as many barristers, and their dependants, to alleviate acute hardship as far as is possible. To achieve this we need your help to raise funds to assist those who are in genuine and urgent need.