Use the full range of support - citizens told

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council is urging residents to use the full range of support services available to them, rather than relying on the limited services intended for those in most critical need.
By Elinor Glynn
Published 1st May 2020, 14:23 BST
Lord Mayor Councillor Mealla Campbell, pictured here with local volunteer Sharon McCollum who is distributing Food Bank parcels, is reminding residents of Council’s ongoing work to provide community support and protect those in critical need.Lord Mayor Councillor Mealla Campbell, pictured here with local volunteer Sharon McCollum who is distributing Food Bank parcels, is reminding residents of Council’s ongoing work to provide community support and protect those in critical need.
Lord Mayor Councillor Mealla Campbell, pictured here with local volunteer Sharon McCollum who is distributing Food Bank parcels, is reminding residents of Council’s ongoing work to provide community support and protect those in critical need.

According to the local authority, many residents believe that the only assistance available is through the distribution of food parcels, but there is a full range of help available to those who need support as a result of covid-19.

It has pointed out that help is available for anyone in need; from those who need one-off assistance while they are self-isolating for a short period, to those who urgently require food for their family and have no way of accessing it.

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Helpline advisors are on hand to direct residents to the most appropriate source of aid.

Often the best source of assistance is through the local community and voluntary sector, which is backed by the council through the Covid-19 community support grant scheme.

The council website contains a list of local stores offering delivery for those who can’t leave the house but have the means and access to have food and supplies delivered to their door. The local support directory (also on the council website) provides a list of community groups throughout the borough who are helping residents with a range of issues.

For the most vulnerable, there is also a food parcel scheme in operation, funded by the Department for Communities and delivered by Council through the local food banks.

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Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mealla Campbell said: “As the weeks have progressed we have seen a considerable increase in the demand for food parcels and unfortunately the demand we are experiencing is well above the supply we have available.

“We understand people’s circumstances can change from week-to-week and as a council, we will continue to review requests and apply the criteria set by the Department for Communties.”

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Related topics:BanbridgeArmagh CityDepartment for CommunitiesCraigavonArmaghCovid-19