Local Foodbank Appeals For Masks And Gloves For Volunteers

Increase in need for home deliveries for those self-isolating or ill

Hounslow Community Foodbox has appealed for donations of latex gloves and masks for their volunteers. They are also looking for more help as requests for foodboxes have increased. Over 30 locals in Chiswick have come forward to help lately.

Spokesperson Oonah Lacey said: "We are seeing an increase in clients needing support with home deliveries that have either tested positively for the virus or have symptoms so are self isolating. We have had tremendous support from the community, thanks to your help.

"We are like all groups helping others needing to give the best protection possible for our volunteers. We need latex gloves and masks - like so many others and a request to anyone that can help would be great.

"The referrals for support have already started to include those the that have lost their jobs and are awaiting to receive support financially "

Apart from other factors, families whose children avail of free school meals during term time, find themselves in difficulties during the holidays, and it is likely that a nationwide shut down of schools will come shortly.

Donations can be left at the Citizen's Advice Bureau in Chiswick (behind the Town Hall) or at the Foodbox office in Brentford.

Spokesperson Oonah Lacey said: "The items that we need are long life milk, long life juice, pasta sauce, sugar, tinned vegetables and meat , jam, tinned fruit and coffee/tea. These are the urgent things- including that current national favourite toilet rolls and hand soap!!

"Also the age profile of our volunteers means that some have already felt the need to step back from home deliveries and front line service so I think that will be a challenge over the next 12 weeks.

"We are committed to keeping the service running. I am sure with the wonderful local community that we have that people will step up donations and volunteering. Councillors have already offered their services to help as meetings are cancelled and they have more time to support their communities.

"Hounslow Council have been so supportive and we are working closely with them to make sure that together we can help where needed. Ruth Cadbury MP arrived on Saturday with toilet rolls- which was so kind. "

Those who use the system come from all walks of life. They can be people who are out of hospital with physical or mental health issues, or bereaved people who are short of money, or even people in affluent areas who may have the asset of a large house but a very small pension and cannot make ends meet. There are also several families with young children who rely on the food boxes to get them through the week.

"Foodbox is not just for Christmas, because there is no indication that demand will reduce."

Hounslow Community Foodbox was set up in 2013 and is based in Brentford because the Council provided an unused community centre as a storage and collection point. However one of their referral partners is Chiswick Citizens Advice Bureau and they have a drop off point in their office in Chiswick Town Hall.

FoodBox’s referral partners are professionals or volunteers working in the community such as children’s centres, Citizens Advice Bureau, GPs, housing associations, Jobcentre Plus and London Borough of Hounslow Housing Strategy and Solutions, and Adult Social Care and Children’s Services.

Food packages contain non-perishable essentials such as pasta, rice and tinned food. The food package should last the recipient and their household around three days.

This page is sponsored by Express Property Services who support community initiatives in Chiswick

 

March 18, 2020