Hartlepool United join town effort to support vulnerable people during crisis

Pools have provided two vehicles and drivers to Hartlepool Borough Council’s Support Hub to deliver hot and cold food to people self isolating or who cannot go out across the town.

The Hub has distributed 1,071 food parcels and 775 prescriptions, and taken over 5,000 calls since being set up in March.

Hartlepool United Chief Executive Mark Maguire said: “These are challenging times for everybody but it is important that we continue to do our bit at the centre of our community, so we are delighted to assist Hartlepool Borough Council in their brilliant work delivering essential hot meals to the vulnerable and isolated of our town.

“The unsung heroes who continue to go about their work and who are overseeing this logistical challenge deserve everyone’s gratitude and support.”

An average of 85 hot meals a day have been delivered by the hub this week.

Even more are expected to go out the doors next week.

Ian Gardiner, the council’s Head of Leisure, Recreation and Participation who is overseeing warehouse and distribution operations, said: “We are so grateful for the support being provided by Hartlepool United Football Club.

“It is a further example of how community-minded organisations across the town are coming together at this incredibly difficult time to help those most in need of support.”

The distribution is happening in partnership with Mecca Bingo Hartlepool, off Marina Way, which is currently closed due to the Covid-19 lockdown measures.

It is providing daily free hot meals to people who usually access the council’s Day Services.

Hartlepool Support Hub launched on March 24, the day after the lockdown was imposed, and also offers information and advice, emotional support, delivery of shopping and newspapers; and links to other local support services.

Council Chief Executive Gill Alexander, previously said: “The staff are absolutely phenomenal. We are getting a reputation regionally and nationally for the way in which we have mobilized support around this and I’m not surprised.”

People can contact the Hub on (01429) 272905 (10am-4pm Mondays to Fridays and 10am-12 noon on Saturdays) or email [email protected]

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