WORCESTER Community Trust are appealing for funds so they can provide care packages to vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the city during the pandemic.

WCT support over 4500 vulnerable and disadvantaged people every year through community centres and projects.

The group have created a Care Package project which will provide those most in need with access to some basic essentials and a meal once a week alongside a variety of activities that can be done in the home such as jigsaw puzzles, colouring and crosswords.

Alongside this, individuals will be supported by weekly phone calls from key workers at WCT as a means of checking in and offering a friendly voice and a chat.

WCT have also teamed up with Worcestershire County Council’s Here2help campaign to provide support to those in the city who register via the here2help service.

Sarah Mackay, Business Development Manager said: "Many of our clients are lonely, isolated, some may have issues with their confidence and resilience, have a long term health condition or low level mental health issues.

"During this unprecedented situation we are no longer able to support our clients in our centres so we are looking at alternative ways that we can help them through this difficult time. Many of our clients will now be isolated in their homes and for a number of them will be on their own with no other support.

"We are aiming to provide our most vulnerable clients with a meal and a care package to ensure they are supported during this difficult period. We need to make sure these people are not forgotten about and we are doing everything we can to provide a lifeline for them."

WCT have created a fundraising campaign called #stayhomehelpout and they are aiming to raise £1000 towards the costs of the care packages. All the money raised will go directly to purchasing items for the packs.

Sarah added: “Please consider donating the cost of a takeaway coffee, or the money saved from a night out to help those who are isolated and vulnerable during this difficult time. Any support, however small or large, will be so greatly appreciated."

"We are also accepting donations of non-perishable food items and basic essentials, games and puzzles at their Ronkswood Hub every Tuesday to Thursday 10am-2pm."

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They are also looking for volunteers to help distribute the care packages into the community – if you think you can help please email volunteer@worcestercommunitytrust.org.uk

Or you can donate by visiting their Just Giving page here.