Cumbria County Council’s Copeland Community Resilience Group is working alongside Cleator Moor COVID-19 Support Group and Sellafield Ltd and this week delivered over 80 emergency food parcels across the north of Copeland, to areas including Whitehaven, Hensingham, Kells, Woodhouse, Mirehouse, Greenbank, Frizington, Cleator Moor and Egremont.
The much needed supplies went to vulnerable residents who are self-isolating, shielding, or experiencing financial hardship and cannot access food through their friends, family or neighbours.
The Resilience Group was established in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The food was supplied by Preston based FareShare Lancashire & Cumbria who redistribute surplus food to community organisations to support people in need, feeding up to 20,000 people each week.
Packing and distribution of the food parcels has been supported by the Cleator Moor COVID-19 Support Group and officers from Cumbria County Council and Copeland Borough Council.
Sellafield Ltd and its supply chain have also been supporting the community response and provided three delivery vehicles and drivers to support the delivery of vital food supplies.
Emma Williamson, Cumbria County Councillor for Kells, and Copeland Borough Council employee, has been assigned to assist the local authority emergency response, she said:
“The volunteers of Cleator Moor COVID-19 Support Group carried out the enormous task of putting together over 80 food parcels for those most in need in Copeland.
“The work is back-breaking for some and these people deserve unreserved praise, they are a credit to their community and to Copeland.
“It’s fantastic to see local companies providing direct support to their communities and we’re incredibly grateful for their backing.”
Krystal Rowe, Project Worker for Whitehaven Community Trust, said:
“The staff and residents are so grateful for this generous donation from FareShare, it’s a great support to everyone in our community.”
Councillor Deborah Earl, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said:
“I would like to thank colleagues, partners, the support group and volunteers, and businesses involved in the response in Copeland.
“What an amazing contribution which I have no doubt leaves people in Copeland reassured that if they need emergency support it is there.”
Anyone in urgent need of food or medical supplies, who is unable to get help from friends, family or neighbours, is urged to contact the county council’s Emergency Support Helpline on 0800 783 1966 or at COVID19support@cumbria.gov.uk.
Copeland Community Resilience Group are continuing to work alongside Cleator Moor COVID-19 Support Group, partners and FareShare Lancashire & Cumbria in order to continue the delivery of food parcels to people in Copeland who need emergency supplies.
