Volunteers getting out 1,300 meals and food parcels a week to Hartlepool's most vulnerable win Heroes award

The Poolie Time Exchange, based at Burbank Community Centre recruited dozens of volunteers in the run up to the nationwide lockdown to help collect, prepare and deliver parcels to the most needy people across the town.

Demand has grown over the last two months to the point where around 1,300 freshly prepared hot meals and grocery parcels are going out every week.

The project has been well supported by businesses both national and local and individuals providing cash, donations and support in kind.

Now it has won a Teesside Heroes Award, plus £1,000, from the Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation.

Ian Cawley, one of the leaders of the Poolie Time Exchange project, said: “The foundation supported us with a grant at the start of the outbreak and have been following and supporting the work we are doing.

“They got in touch to say they were sending some PPE over but not to open it until we were on a Zoom call.

“We opened the parcel and the award for the full team was there. It’s really pleasing.”

Recipients of the award have to be nominated by someone.

The Foundation said on its website: “The Philanthropic Foundation is determined to shout about our local community champions – the unsung heroes who do lots of work in the community without fan-fare or financial reward.

“Our monthly Teesside Heroes Awards are all about recognising those community superstars, whilst helping the Foundation distribute much-needed funds to truly worthwhile causes across the area.”

Hartlepool College of Further Education is supporting Poolie Time Exchange by providing the use of their kitchen and minibuses.

The Constituency Labour Party recently gave a £3,000 donation and Hartlepool Borough Council, Morrisons and Tesco are just some of the supporters providing food.

Ian added: “We are still getting a regular flow of referrals. We’re hoping to continue the project even after the lockdown ends for the most vulnerable for at least 12 months.”

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