Food parcel service is a 'life saver' for elderly residents in Stafford

Vulnerable people in Stafford who have been advised to stay at home for their own safety during recent weeks have been offered support with activities they would normally venture outside for, such as dog walking and gardening.

Stafford Borough Council is also offering advice on paying bills and ringing isolated residents to check they are safe and well.

One of the authority’s new tasks taken on during the lockdown is distributing food parcels and other vital supplies. It has worked with voluntary sector organisation Support Staffordshire to recruit helpers.

Some council workers are also swapping their usual roles to become delivery drivers and ‘buddies’ to residents who need support, as well as arranging food and medical supplies or staffing phone lines to provide advice to those worried and seeking help.

Older residents who have received deliveries and support have spoken of how much it has helped them during these unprecedented times.

A Stafford woman in her 70s said she struggled with bronchitis and has a low immune system – but also had caring responsibilities for a grandchild.

She added: “We think the scheme is a wonderful and kind thing to do. We can’t get a shopping slot and it is too risky to go to the shops – so this has become a life saver for us.”

A 94-year-old couple living in the Walton on the Hill area said: “We are really grateful – it is reassuring to know that someone is making sure we are alright.

“People are going out of their way to help in what is a very difficult time for everyone – especially older folks who have been told to stay indoors.”

And a man in his 80s who lives in Derrington – a village two miles away from the nearest shops – described it as “a wonderful support system,” after getting groceries delivered to his doorstep less than 24 hours after giving the council his order.

Those contacting the council for support have included people across the country concerned about older relatives living in the borough who they are unable to visit because of the current measures in place aimed at reducing the spread of Covid-19.

Councillor Patrick Farrington said the pandemic had been the biggest challenge he had faced since he became leader of the local authority in 2015.

He said: “It has been very emotional listening to what some of our residents have been telling us. When you hear them say our work is ‘life saving’ – you feel very humble indeed.

“In such challenging times I have seen the very best of people. My fellow councillors, parish councils, charities, organisations, businesses and individuals are going out of their way to help those less fortunate.”

“The Government asked local councils to set up these hubs because we know our areas well and we can ensure the proper support goes to where it is needed most – and be there for those who may have temporarily slipped through the net.

“These are unprecedented times, and I am very pleased to see that our council, partners, and everyone involved with us, have risen to the challenge.”

Stafford Borough Council is also working with the Co-op to ensure isolated residents can get food deliveries – which are high in demand from people across the country.

The authority takes orders from vulnerable households and passes it to the supermarket. Orders are packed at Stafford’s Wildwood branch, which also takes payment from customers, and the council collects and delivers the groceries where they are needed.

Free parcels can also be delivered by the council to vulnerable and isolated households struggling to afford food. For more information on support available visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/coronavirus, email covid-19support@staffordbc.gov.uk or call 01783 619000.