Tuck in: Community heroes bringing lifeline to vulnerable people across Dudley
A team of community heroes are providing a lifeline to vulnerable people across Dudley through free food deliveries and online cooking classes.
A dedicated group of 40 staff and volunteers from Top Church Training, based in Brierley Hill’s High Street, are supporting people and families across the borough.
Café co-ordinator Bruno Surrecio and chef Jordan Johnson, who usually cook in the community café, are sharing their cooking skills online, so people are able to make fresh and healthy meals at home.
The ‘What’s in the Cupboard?’ videos are aimed at inspiring people to cook with tinned foods and learn basic cooking techniques.
Check out this pasta bake recipe:
The team is also cooking and delivering free meals, like cottage pie, spaghetti bolognese and soup, for vulnerable people who are self-isolating, or to those who are unable to leave their home due to health problems or childcare.
As well as this, they are delivering household essentials such as baby formula and nappies, and providing a listening ear over the phone for people who are feeling isolated or anxious.
Karen Fielder, head of operations at Top Church Training, said: “We support over 200 people in Dudley through our usual activities, and - unsurprisingly - we’ve seen a massive increase in those who are feeling isolated, lonely and anxious.
More Covid-19 coverage:
"We’re chatting to our community over the phone, trying to keep them thinking positively and reassuring them that we’re doing all we can to help.
“We’re hoping that our new videos will give people company at home and make them smile, whilst offering handy tips on what to do with ingredients that many will have received from their local food bank.”
Top Church Training was awarded more than £300,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund in 2018 to bring people together through a range of activities.
The funding is still helping to support people during coronavirus through alternative services.
