“IT HAS been a herculean effort to get things going again, but we have fantastic support from the community and from volunteers.”
That’s the message from local charity Support Redditch which is back in harness to help local families not just for the school holidays but as the Covid-19 crisis deepens this winter.
Backed by £22,000 provided by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and administered by Redditch Borough Council, Support Redditch has agreed a 12-week operation to deliver food parcels as part of its ‘hardship recovery’ scheme, which also includes families in receipt of free school meals during the holiday periods.
In addition the charity is also running a ‘self-isolation support service’ to assist anyone forced to isolate because of a positive Covid-19 test, and is even pulling together a hot meal delivery service for the homeless and most vulnerable groups.
Support has come from Morrisons supermarket and Victoria Plums Kitchen on Mason Road.
Councillor Mike Rouse, a founding trustees of the charity, said: “Every day this week (so far) we have fed nearly 100 children across Redditch with the packed lunches.
“Yesterday, we received a donation of more than 300 bread rolls which we have distributed to families in need and local care homes.
“We have also been given small bottles of hand sanitiser by Adeel Nasir from a new local business called International Water Solutions Ltd, which will be provided with food parcels to local families.”
Local residents have also made donations and the charity has also opened a donation drop off point at Dormer Plant Hire on Hewell Road, which is run by Council Leader Councillor Matt Dormer.
Coun Rouse, who is also deputy leader of the Conservative group on the borough council added: “If there’s anyone who is self-isolating and struggling, we can provide food parcels to keep them going, and keep them at home where they need to be.
“We can even help with other needs like medication collection or errands.”
The charity continues to work with partners such as the Disability Support Project and Redditch Baby Bank to ensure help is provided not only with food but with other needs such as managing finances.
People can also ‘Nominate a Neighbour’ who might need help via www.supportredditch.net or call 01527 359008. Referrals and enquiries can also be emailed to [email protected]
