Hundreds of Dewsbury families supported during crisis

More than 750 households are receiving help during the Coronavirus pandemic from a support network set up in Dewsbury to help those struggling.
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By Alison Bellamy

People who have lost jobs, been made redundant, working on zero hours contracts or found themselves struggling financially due to ill health, are amongst those being supported.

Chickenley Community Centre’s emergency response to the Covid 19 crisis has seen volunteers supporting families across Dewsbury East, with emergency food parcels, food vouchers and sign posting to a range of support available from different agencies.

Hundreds of Dewsbury families supported during crisisHundreds of Dewsbury families supported during crisis
Hundreds of Dewsbury families supported during crisis
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The food parcels are being funded by Kirklees Council and One Community Foundation, with support from ward councillors Cathy Scott and Eric Firth, plus a small team of volunteers, all observing strict social distancing guidelines, as they prepare and distribute emergency parcels.

Paul Moore, community development worker at Chickenley Community Centre, said: “Since the beginning of April we have supported around 750 households and families, many who were self-employed, on zero hour contracts, self-isolating or vulnerable older people.

“Lots of people have been hit hard as a result of the virus, with many losing their jobs overnight without any sort of supportor advice. Many of those working families have young children and it is the first time they have had to ask for help.

“We know some people who have waited weeks and weeks to get any sort of benefits payment, due to the surge in demand, leaving many without any money and literally unable to buy food. We have never known so many people struggling.”

Hundreds of Dewsbury families supported during crisisHundreds of Dewsbury families supported during crisis
Hundreds of Dewsbury families supported during crisis
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He said priority cases included elderly isolated people, disabled people and single parents with children at home. All applicantions are assessed.

Mr Moore said they had set up a network using food warehouses, to gather food suitable for distributing and were now applying for more funding to help keep the initiative going.

He added: “We are at the heart of the community here in Dewsbury East and want to help people who might find themselves struggling. So please get in touch if you need support."

They also distributed 500 Easter eggs to children, books for young people supplied by Library Services and growing packs for families, to keep children occupied during the lockdown.

Hundreds of Dewsbury families supported during crisisHundreds of Dewsbury families supported during crisis
Hundreds of Dewsbury families supported during crisis
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Anyone who wants to get in touch can follow them on the Facebook page Chickenley Hub or through the community centre at Princess Road on 01924 464060.

Applicants must live in the Dewsbury East area which includes Chickenley, Earlsheaton, Bywell, Shaw Cross, Eastborough, Hanging Heaton, Crackenedge, Ashworth, Eightlands or the Hope Street area.

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