Staff at Newcastle United Foundation are volunteering their time to deliver urgent food supplies to 2,000 children living in some of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods.

Following the Government's decision to close all UK schools and impose ‘social distancing’ restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, many parents and guardians have been left in the difficult position of juggling family life with work, maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, and coping financially while providing for vulnerable loved ones.

In response the Foundation says its workforce has adapted to become a ‘point of call’ for local organisations in need of assistance. So for example it has supported the North-East mixed multi Academy Trust (NEAT) by helping to deliver food parcels to children who would ordinarily receive free meals at five local schools.

Foundation staff were invited to help relief efforts on a voluntary basis and only to complete work deemed essential by NEAT and Newcastle City Council.

ESSENTIAL

Head of Newcastle United Foundation, Steve Beharall, said: “Working with NEAT, Newcastle City Council, partners and volunteers, we have been able to arrange the safe delivery of 10,000 food parcels and vouchers across Byker, Walker and Walkergate.

“We wanted to particularly support families without access to the internet who might not have received e-vouchers for essential food items during this extremely difficult period.

“Families have been so grateful for the support and it has been fantastic to be part of the delivery process today.”

He added: “Everyone volunteering at Benfield School has been sticking to strict social distancing rules, as well as wearing protective clothing to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

ISOLATION

“As we move forward, our charity will continue to respect the latest Government and NHS advice to help overcome Covid-19, carrying out only 'essential' work in the community when it is safe to do so.

“In the meantime, Foundation staff are continuing their work from home and are adapting their routines to include regular calls to elderly participants, creating worksheets to be posted out and running online quizzes to reduce social isolation.”

To ensure the safety of all staff and the wider community, the Foundation's offices at St James' Park are closed with staff working from home.

To find out more about Newcastle United Foundation, visit its page on the ConnectSport directory. To add your organisation for free, contact hello@connectsport.co.uk.

Pic credit: Newcastle United Foundation.