Sunderland communities rally round to help those most in need during lockdown

A campaign has been launched to ensure Sunderland’s most vulnerable don’t go without during the latest lockdown.
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Help A Neighbour has been set up to ensure people do not go hungry or without this winter, with supermarkets, taxi firms, guesthouses, schools, and takeaways getting on board alongside individuals who have been moved to act.

Collection points have been set up for food items and treats, as well as household products and to re-gift unwanted Christmas gifts and goodies to create hampers, with people asked to nominate someone who needs extra support through the effort.

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Some of the people who have played a part in the Help A Neighbour campaign so far.Some of the people who have played a part in the Help A Neighbour campaign so far.
Some of the people who have played a part in the Help A Neighbour campaign so far.
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People have also been asked to help out their neighbours by making up an extra hot meal to drop off.

It has been set up by Jolene Casey, 43, and a team of helpers after her sister Gemma Robinson, 36, spotted an man who needed help when she was out shopping because he had a back back, with the health and social care university student assisting him before getting him a taxi home.

It sparked Jolene, who runs Pulp Kitchen deli in Rawmarsh Road and the Food Porn North East Facebook group, to act, putting out the call for help, with 14 volunteers already signed up.

Jolene said: “I’m a local lass that wants to do food for the local community – how far reaching it is depends on the kindness and generosity of people and businesses.

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"It’s not just about people needing help, but about the vulnerable people looking for a friendly face.

"There needs to be a change to social policy, especially in the North East, as the levels of poverty are not sustainable.

"Everyone’s suffering in one way or another with mental health, struggle or loneliness in this pandemic, but everyone needs to know that there is someone looking out for them.”

The Ashborne Guest House in St George’s Terrace in Roker is acting as a drop off point, as well as Pulp Kitchen, while Aldi branches in Pennywell and St Mark’s Road near Millfield Metro Station have also set up collection points.

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Anyone who would like to get involved can contact Jolene through her food group’s Facebook page.

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