Corona Kindness response in Blackpool 'phenomenal'

Nearly 24,000 meals have been handed out to people in need across Blackpool during the coronavirus outbreak so far by a council led emergency support programme.
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Twelve operational hubs are now up and running as part of the town hall's Corona Kindness project to support the town's most vulnerable residents, while the free school meals service has fed thousands of people.

Each hub is providing food parcels, shopping assistance, medical supplies, a befriending service and dog walking with 70 trained volunteers delivering help.

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Last week the Corona Kindness helpline received 1,174 emails, 460 calls and more than 200 offers of help from Blackpool residents, with the council contacting 300 people needing assistance.

Members of Blackpool Football Club Community Trust have been helpingMembers of Blackpool Football Club Community Trust have been helping
Members of Blackpool Football Club Community Trust have been helping

Council staff and volunteers have also been packing up meal parcels on a daily basis before they are distributed across the town.

Blackpool Council leader Coun Simon Blackburn said: “The kindness shown by people over the past few weeks is a testament to the resilience, spirit and resolve of the Blackpool community."

The free school meal parcels service has now expanded to supply food parcels to both families and individuals.

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As of last week, the team had delivered 3,059 school food parcels, 265 family parcels and 540 individual parcels. A total of 23,850 meals were provided, feeding 4,659 people across the town.

Coun Blackburn added: “Public reaction has been nothing short of phenomenal.

"From the employees, to the volunteers, to the local businesses and suppliers who have been kind enough to show their support – everyone involved should be immensely proud of what they are achieving.

“Whether part of Corona Kindness or wider community initiatives, Blackpool is rising to the challenge and I am convinced we will come out of this stronger.

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"In the meantime, it is important people know help is still available – anyone who needs or can give support should get in touch.”

Local businesses in the town including Trevors Food Service, Ribble Farm Fare, Morris Bakers, and Burton’s Biscuits have helped with the initiative.

It comes on top of many initiatives by local charities and volunteers.

For more information on Corona Kindness, as well as advice and support, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/coronakindness

People who need help can email [email protected] or call 0808 196 30 80 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, while to offer help email [email protected]