A Hartlepool support network helping those who are self-isolating hits impressive milestones as it joins forces with catering company Chilli Cake

Hartlepool Support Hub is a network set up to help anyone across the town who is self-isolating during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The Hub launched four weeks ago and was set up to offer services such as information and advice, emotional support, delivery of shopping and prescriptions.

In such a short space of time, it has now taken over 4,000 calls, given out over 700 food parcels and delivered around 500 prescriptions.

A partnership with Hartlepool restaurant and catering company Chilli Cake has also been announced.

Chilli Cake – which has a 5-star hygiene rating - will liaise with local suppliers of meat, fresh fruit and vegetables and store cupboard essentials like tinned goods and cereals, ordering and collecting supplies and making them up into parcels ready for the Hub team to distribute.

Jill Harrison, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Director of Adult and Community-Based Services, said: “Our latest figures for the number of people we’ve been able to help are simply fantastic and are testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with the Hub.

“We are also delighted that Chilli Cake are joining the team, bringing with them their logistics expertise and their established links with local suppliers.

“Not only is the Hub helping local people, by using Chilli Cake and other local firms it’s helping to support countless local businesses too.”

Julie Evans, Chilli Cake owner, added: “We have a lot of experience of sourcing food and liaising with suppliers so we’re really pleased to be able to add our skills to the Hub. It’s an amazing town-wide effort and we’re very proud to be part of it.”

The Hartlepool Support Hub offers information and advice, emotional support, delivery of shopping, newspapers and prescriptions and links to other additional services which are offering support.

People can contact the Hub by calling 01429 272 905, email [email protected] or via an online form at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/supporthub.

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