As the Government steps up the levels of restrictions needed to tackle the spread of Covid-19 which, since I last wrote for this magazine, has started to tick up in Brentwood, the local support groups which stepped up to the plate in the early days of the pandemic are preparing for the challenge of the next wave.
Brentwood Foodbank has been one of the key sources of support for those who have found themselves in need. It’s just moved to new premises in the town centre, thanks to the generosity of a local businessman in offering premises, and is collecting donations from generous individuals and businesses to provide basic food packs.
I visited the Brentwood Foodbank earlier this month and saw first-hand the work being done to collect, collate and distribute food and basic toiletries to families who have been left vulnerable as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Bonnie and Jerry Minihane, who run the Foodbank, told me dozens of volunteers have been working tirelessly to reach the most needy in the community. They told me the people who have been helped by the Foodbank are often lonely, susceptible, isolated individuals and elderly couples who may face a very hard winter.
As the prospect of further restrictions on our daily lives looms – as I write, Brentwood is in the ‘High’ Tier of concern but further increases in cases or in hospital admissions could see us move us into Tier 3 – the Foodbank needs more voluntary help and donations. This great charity is the epitome of how a community comes together to help its most vulnerable members and I heartily endorse its work and the dedication of all those involved in running it and helping so many local people.
Photo Credit: Anna Marie
