Be a good neighbour at such difficult time

and support agencies to communicate, collaborate and share resources.

The Network has 460 members representing a range of organisations, all providing comprehensive support to our community in the most effective way.

COVID 19 has exacerbated an already acute situation and even more members of our community are likely to need support in the future.

The provision of food and other items is particularly in demand, and Network members including Haslingden Community Link, the RAFT Foundation, the Crawshawbooth Village Centre, Positive Start, Trinity Baptist Church Bacup, the Rossendale Food Box Scheme and the Lighthouse Foodshare in Whitworth are all providing that support.

Local supermarkets including TESCO, ASDA, M&S, Morrison’s and the

●● Community group representatives at a TESCO presentation last year

Co- op provide regular donations to Network members and offer facilities for personal food donations in-store.

Citizens Advice and the Social Prescribing Team are also providing vital help and support in signposting clients to agencies that can help resolve underlying issues.

One thing we can all do to help our local community is to check on our neighbours, particularly those who are vulnerable or elderly, and make sure they are receiving the support they need.

This column is an additional to Network member’s Facebook pages, and a means of getting vital information out to those who do not have access to social media, thus extending the reach of support to our community.

Future editions of the column will feature individual groups and highlight the support available, new initiatives and signpost readers to other support options. For contact details of support available, email rosscsn43@gmail.com .