Hartlepool school opens new food bank to help most vulnerable during coronavirus outbreak

A Hartlepool school has set up a food bank to help the most vulnerable people in the community during the coronavirus emergency.
By Mark Payne
Published 19th Mar 2020, 06:00 BST
Updated 19th Mar 2020, 12:30 BST
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The town’s Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), based at Centre for Excellence, Teaching and Learning (CETL), says it has been overwhelmed with donations from Hartlepool schools after issuing an appeal.

But it is now appealing to the general public to give essential items of food and toiletries which will be distributed to the town’s elderly and vulnerable people who will struggle to get to the shops in the coming weeks and months.

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The PRU, which supports pupils not in mainstream education, plus those at home or in hospital, is working in partnership Hartlepool Foodbank and Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Hub on the project.

Hartlepool Pupil Referral Unit pupils (left to right) Callum Cockerill, Elinor Dangerfield and Amy Russell with a selection of donated items to the new foodbank. Picture by FRANK REIDHartlepool Pupil Referral Unit pupils (left to right) Callum Cockerill, Elinor Dangerfield and Amy Russell with a selection of donated items to the new foodbank. Picture by FRANK REID
Hartlepool Pupil Referral Unit pupils (left to right) Callum Cockerill, Elinor Dangerfield and Amy Russell with a selection of donated items to the new foodbank. Picture by FRANK REID

PRU headteacher Martyn Gordon said: “We have opened a food bank to try to provide for the vulnerable and elderly and emailed all the headteachers in the town to publicise it within schools.

“The response has been overwhelming. We’ve had an awful lot of things donated already.

“It’s being co-ordinated with Hartlepool Foodbank and the Children’s Hub to make sure everything we receive goes to those that need it the most.”

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Mr Gordon has thrown open the appeal to the whole town to drop off items at the PRU in Brierton Lane, as the coronavirus restrictions start to come into effect including the over 70s being urged to self-isolate for 12 weeks.

Essentials such as non-perishable foods, tinned food, cereals, long-life milk, toiletries, including toilet rolls, are needed, plus baby supplies such as nappies.

“Anything at all is very much gratefully received,” added Mr Gordon.

The PRU aims to continue to operate the food bank from its premises even if schools are forced to close.

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As well as doing something good for the community, Mr Gordon said pupils have also benefited from the project including by breaking down age-gap barriers.

He added: “It has been great to teach the children life skills and a moral purpose to being able to help those who need it most at this time.”

Related topics:Hartlepool