NEARLY 2,000 people have been supported through a helpline and deliveries of food parcels in Oldham since emergency hubs were launched three weeks ago.

The council, Oldham Foodbank and Action Together have partnered to co-ordinate drop-offs of vital aid across the borough for people during the coronavirus crisis. 

The organisations have been arranging the delivery of emergency food and other essential personal and household items to vulnerable residents in need, as well as running a food voucher scheme.

The help is targeted for people who are in emergency need because they are self-isolating, are unable to leave the house to shop, and have no friends or neighbours to support them.

A helpline, which went live on March 27, has received 1,200 calls, with 602 people getting direct help.

After calling the helpline, bosses aim to get back to people in 24 hours and a package is co-ordinated in the following days.

The food is a basic package of items and other essential such as sanitary products and toiletries, while the delivery of prescriptions medicines is handled separately by local pharmacies who contact people on GP lists. 

The helpline is open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 11am to 2pm on weekends.

As well as the delivery of emergency food and supplies, the hubs have also made sure 1,300 people can get food supplies after presenting vouchers.

The partnership says it has been ‘warmed’ that most people are using the resource responsbily, so that it doesn’t become ‘overwhelmed’.

Deputy council leader, Cllr Arooj Shah said: “It is so important we got this service up and running quickly to help our most vulnerable who have no-one else to call upon and who need our support at this very difficult time.

“More than 1,900 of our most vulnerable residents have been helped by hard-working colleagues from across our partners and our thanks go out to them for all their efforts.

“Thank you as well to all the residents and local businesses that have donated items to Oldham Foodbank.

“This collective effort shows how the whole community is pulling together to help people who need it the most.”

Laura Windsor Welsh, strategic locality lead for Action Together, added that the help was ‘vital’ for vulnerable people in the community at this time.

“We have also been able to bring some much-needed positivity to people and over the Easter weekend a number of partners including volunteers, local councillors and GM Police delivered Easter eggs to local families and elderly people,” Laura said.

To contact the helpline people should ring 0161 770 7007.