Hebburn Helps steps up to aid low income families hit hard by Coronavirus pandemic

Founders Angie Comerford and Jo Durkin have seen a sharp rise in the number of working families in need of support during the pandemic as people facing reduced wages, being placed on furlough and zero hours contracts take their toll on finances.

With provision already in place for those on benefits, including those who have children receiving school meals, the organisation has seen a gap in the support available for families who are working but struggling to make ends meet.

In an effort to address the need, Hebburn Helps has launched a scheme in January where families can apply for a bag of food containing five meals per child throughout the lockdown.

This means that each child will receive a substantial meal for five days each week like they would have done at school.

Angie said: “We wanted to help the working families who are on low income, not just those who are on benefits.

“We are seeing so many more people coming through the door who are actually working but can’t make ends meet and we knew that we had to do something.

"So now we are providing a bag of food that covers five meals for each applicant who fills in a form online.”

Meals include the likes of bolognese, jacket potatoes and chilli, eggs, chips and beans and hot dogs.

Bags are handed out from the centre on Campbell Park Road every Monday but can be dropped off to homes on request if families are isolating.

Applications must be filled out each week as a rolling system is not in place.

People can apply for the bags via an online form on the Hebburn Helps website or by calling the centre directly on: 0191 489 9707.

In a bid to raise funds for the food donations Angie is hoping to complete a 100 mile running challenge by the end of the month.

Already her effort has raised around £200 via her Just Giving Page. To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/angela-comerford?utm_term=MqmqK2WWB

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news, information and puzzles online.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu.