With the initial lockdown announced back in March, we had to make some changes to the way we deliver our services so we could continue to provide support during this challenging time.
This included how we prepared meals for residents in our housing projects and free breakfasts at our Hub for people in the community experiencing homelessness or in housing need.
Our Lifeskills Tutor Jeannie has worked in the communal facilities in our housing projects for the past 7 years, supporting residents to learn new skills such as how to independently create healthy meals. This was always a great way for residents to come together, creating opportunities to socialise and get to know one another.
But to protect our service users and staff, we decided to temporarily close any communal areas such as shared kitchens and lounges, and run our breakfast service as takeaway.
Nine weeks ago, Jeannie moved to our Hub where we have a bigger kitchen area to work alongside Wendy, our Homeless Prevention Worker.
Through the hard work and determination of Jeannie, Wendy and the team as well as support of donations from the community, we have now reached a milestone of over 2,500 healthy meals prepared for our service users.
The incredible Jeannie and Wendy can also now produce a whole week’s supply of meals in two days!
Jeannie said: “It was a struggle at first as shopping orders were delayed or no slots were available, so it was difficult to get hold of basic essentials. But it was truly the help of people and businesses in the community answering our calls for food donations that have meant we could continue to deliver this service.”
We want to say a massive thank you to the local restaurants and café owners as well as schools and business canteens who during the time of closing, donated remaining food and supplies to us. As well as show our appreciation for the local councillors, Rochdale food banks and Greater Manchester Homeless Action Network who supported us with donations so far.