Community shows support for North East's key workers and vulnerable people with donation drive

Launched in April by mum-of-two Gillian Malcolm, North East Donations for the Vunerable/Key Workers now has almost 400 members.

In recent weeks, the team has sent care packages across the region to women’s refuges, care homes and hospital wards, with donations continuing to mount up for further parcels in future.

Gillian, who works at South Tyneside Hospital on the radiology department but has been self-isolating at home due to underlying health conditions, has used her free time to collect gift items and make care packages in support of other key workers.

And the generosity of the community both online and in person has enabled Gillian and fellow volunteer Lianne Redhead to branch out with additional drop-offs and donations.

Gillian, who lives near the Nook in South Shields with husband Andrew and sons Cameron and Lucas, said: “I just think it’s amazing that everyone has pulled together.

“There are so many people that want to help.”

The women were so inundated with donations for Mental Health Awareness Week earlier in May – with items being dropped off at Hopewood Park hospital in Ryhope, Sunderland – that they are now planning to make parcels for school staff as some children return to classrooms across the North East from Monday, June 1.

To visit Gillian’s Facebook group to volunteer or find out more, click here.

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