Parcelling hope for vulnerable

BRIGHOUSE-BASED HOMELESS charity Focus4Hope are continuing to provide parcels, including food and toiletries, for vulnerable members of the community and NHS workers impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Focus4Hope, founded in September 2016, work to support the elderly, isolated, and vulnerable by holding fundraising events for the local homeless population, fortnightly outreach events to help the homeless in Leeds city centre, and several other regular events that aim to enrich the lives of local at-risk individuals.

The team began delivering food parcels in March, in response to a worsening pandemic and the introduction of the UK’s first national lockdown.

Initially, these parcels were given to those who were forced to self-isolate due to COVID-19, but over time they expanded their scope to cover NHS staff, and people who found themselves out of work or otherwise financially impacted by the virus and resulting government restrictions.

Now, with the help of local volunteers, they deliver over 150 parcels of food and essential items a day to those in need, and this number increases every week.

Founder of Focus4Hope Lousie Reed has been playing a hands-on role in the deliveries.

She said: “For nearly a full year this virus has been taking its toll on people’s health, their daily lives, and the economy.

“It can’t be overstated how deeply the local community has felt the ongoing impact of the Coronavirus, especially when it comes to jobs and welfare.

“The impact has been absolutely huge.

With children not being at school we are seeing a significant increase in demand, as well as our referrals from other nonprofits in the area.”

This virus has been taking its toll on people’s health, their daily lives and the economy

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