Charnwood Community Action supports residents this Christmas

A campaign which has provided support to Charnwood residents during the pandemic has geared up for Christmas.

The borough council launched Charnwood Community Action earlier this year in partnership with John Storer Charnwood and other voluntary organisations to help advise, co-ordinate and guide the borough-wide community efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

The team has been working round the clock to get 390 festive themed food parcels ready for Christmas Day. This will ensure people registered with the service will get some festive essentials in addition to their usual weekly food parcel.

Verity Graham, neighbourhoods and partnerships manager said: “We have been overwhelmed by the amount of donations we’ve received since the start of the pandemic from residents, local schools, playgroups, community groups, churches and businesses but the amount that has been donated in the lead up to Christmas really is staggering and we would like to thank everyone.

 “This has been a difficult time for people, and we wanted to make sure those who we have supported over the year will have access to a Christmas dinner and some festive goodies to try and make things a little easier over the festive period.”

Charnwood Community Action has become the umbrella for a range of different voluntary organisations and is now working with many community groups to help volunteers continue to support vulnerable people within the borough alongside the work of Charnwood Food Poverty Group.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for community support said: “The pandemic has been a really tough time for people and Charnwood Community Action has been there all the way through to support those who need it most.

“I know everyone involved has continued to work incredibly hard in the run up to Christmas to ensure those residents who have needed a little help also receive a little additional treat for the festive season.

 “I would like to pass my thanks on to all of the businesses, community groups and individuals who have been donating to help our local communities, especially during these past few weeks to help with the Christmas boxes.”

Since the start of the pandemic, Charnwood Community Action has delivered over 17,000 food parcels and is currently providing to over 300 households each week. The team has also been providing a befriending service to residents, supporting those who are clinically vulnerable and signposting people to a range of services.