We're here if you need help - Hartlepool group ready to feed most struggling people in the lockdown

A Hartlepool group is ready to feed the town’s most struggling people during the second lockdown.
Poolie Time Exchange's Dave Hunter and Stephen Picton (R) with food donations at Burbank Community Centre.Poolie Time Exchange's Dave Hunter and Stephen Picton (R) with food donations at Burbank Community Centre.
Poolie Time Exchange's Dave Hunter and Stephen Picton (R) with food donations at Burbank Community Centre.

And the offer of support comes from a cause which has already given out thousands of free meals under the first wave of the pandemic.

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It’s 30 volunteers have handed out leaflets, helped with meals and assisted in sorting out the stockpile of donations of food.

Poolie Time Exchange officials Dave Hunter and Stephen Picton, right.Poolie Time Exchange officials Dave Hunter and Stephen Picton, right.
Poolie Time Exchange officials Dave Hunter and Stephen Picton, right.

But now the cause is getting ready to help struggling people once more.

In a two-fold appeal it wants;

l To hear from anyone who is in desperate need of support. Those needing help should contact the number below.

Just some of the 21,000 meals that Poolie Time Exchange has prepared for Hartlepool people during the lockdown.Just some of the 21,000 meals that Poolie Time Exchange has prepared for Hartlepool people during the lockdown.
Just some of the 21,000 meals that Poolie Time Exchange has prepared for Hartlepool people during the lockdown.
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l To hear from anyone or any group who can make a donation towards the food for the hungry.

Group co-ordinator Stephen Picton said 60-70 people have received support so far and added: “There are people out there who have no-one and we keep going because of them.

"They are scared to come out and go shopping but we keep doing cooked food and delivering them on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

"We have never stopped feeding them since March.”

Poolie Time Exchange has helped thousands of people with hot meals and grocery supplies during the pandemic.Poolie Time Exchange has helped thousands of people with hot meals and grocery supplies during the pandemic.
Poolie Time Exchange has helped thousands of people with hot meals and grocery supplies during the pandemic.

Project manager Dave Hunter said: “The numbers of people coming to us for support is increasing every day. We could never have envisaged this situation but the support of our volunteers has been unbelievable.”

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He also revealed the amazing levels of support offered by Poolie Time Exchange during the first complete lockdown.

"During the first 12-week lockdown, we made and delivered more than 13,400 meals free of charge.

"As well as that, there were 8,700 bags of groceries to people shielding and the vulnerable and it was all done by volunteers.

Poolie Time Exchange has prepared 21,350 meals and 11,000 bags of groceries since March.Poolie Time Exchange has prepared 21,350 meals and 11,000 bags of groceries since March.
Poolie Time Exchange has prepared 21,350 meals and 11,000 bags of groceries since March.

"We go to some people’s houses and talk to them. They are genuine and their stories are heartbreaking. I talked to one lady who lost her job because of the lockdown.

"We made sure that her cupboards were filled.”

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To find out more, visit the Poolie Time Exchange Facebook page.

And to donate, or to ask for support from the Poolie Time Exchange, contact 07542 423360.

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