AN emergency response taskforce formed to tackle the impact of Covid-19 has been providing invaluable help to people in the Consett area.

People who operate Glenroyd House, a community building in the town, banded together to support the wider community by preparing and delivering food parcels to people unable to leave their homes. They have also been providing advice on food storage, mental health and exercise.

Glenroyd House provides a range service to the community, including advice, guidance and support from local services, and people can use the centre for personal development and to access food banks, sexual health clinics, along withy a range of counselling and debt management.

The group is offering personal hygiene and sanitary products, as well as cleaning materials for people to maintain health and hygiene in their homes. It is also collecting and delivering prescriptions.

Glenroyd House chairperson Mark Clelland, who has co-ordinated the effort said: “There are so many people, especially in rural communities, who require additional support at the moment.

“We are all locals and knew this, so moved quickly to establish areas of support that have expanded over the past two months.

“We’re not means testing people – this support is for anyone regardless of age, economic circumstances, disability. The service is quick, easy to use and we treat everyone equally and as a priority.

“As well as the food parcels and hot ready-made meals, we have established support, advice and guidance for people who need it via a dedicated telephone number and also use it simply keep open the line communication to those who simply want someone to talk to.”

In recent weeks, the Glenroyd Group has created a DVD and book loan service, where people can select entertainment from a list and have it delivered to their doorstep.

Mark added: “We will help anyone in the Consett area who needs it - and we are getting busier, with food packs by far the most essentials.”

The service, which is run by volunteers, has developed considerably since March. It is now putting in place further support for children, with fun and educational activity packs designed for all ages. The high-quality packs include reading books, snacks, chalks, colouring books, word games and activity books.

“The packs are designed to aid education and mental health well-being at this time,” added Mark. “There has been a huge amount of interest with over 3,000 likes on Facebook in less than 24 hours, which helped generate over 300 response for packs to support children.

“We are working with local schools to help families with food and support disadvantaged areas where holiday hunger is a major issue, delivering Easter eggs for children whose parents are key workers.”

The service is currently helping in excess of 200 individuals per week, seven days a week, 24hrs a day and this is getting busier, it is an incredible effort.

The group is also making scrubs and PPE for the local NHS and medical centres.

Mark said: “We have a dedicated team of seamstresses all giving up valuable time to help us and make these essential items for a much-needed service.

“We are making scrubs in various sizes and colours and this is progressing very well. They are also making scrubs with cartoon characters and superhero’s for children.

“These were delivered to the University Hospital of North Durham and included over 100 scrubs and patient packs which has gratefully received from the staff who were overwhelmed at the support, service and quality. In response they have asked Glenroyd House to make more scrubs for other members of their medical teams.

“We are entirely run by volunteers and our aim is to provide a one-stop-shop for all needs. The next phase will be putting in systems and support for mental health with professional counselling and sessions should people need these moving out of the lockdown.”