Hundreds of families across County Durham are being offered additional support over the Christmas holidays.
East Durham AAP, one of Durham County Council’s 14 Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) is continuing to support families across East Durham as part of the council’s £1.4 million coronavirus support fund.
At the start of the pandemic, the AAP donated almost £5,000 to Dawdon Youth and Community Centre.
This has enabled volunteers to prepare and distribute over 3,200 hot meals, 2,500 food parcels and hundreds of activity packs to vulnerable residents in the area.
The centre has also been working to support families impacted by the pandemic over the festive period, organising a food bank and Christmas toy appeal. Following funding support from local members Cllrs Kevin Shaw and Leanne Kennedy, from their Neighbourhood Budgets, volunteers have been able to provide Christmas gifts for children and young people. The members have donated £4,000 to the appeal, supporting almost 400 families so far.
As well as gifts for those aged up to 18-years-old, care parcels are also being delivered to elderly people who are shielding or vulnerable.
A further £9,000 has been awarded to the centre from the same Neighbourhood Budgets to help volunteers deliver a programme of youth activities over the coming year and help them to engage young people in the area.
Marion McKenna, centre manager of Dawdon Youth and Community Centre, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support from Cllr Kevin Shaw and Cllr Leanne Kennedy. The Neighbourhood Budget funding has enabled us to support families with toys for Christmas and deliver a food bank and crisis support sessions to children and young people during the forthcoming festive period.
“Young people who form part of the youth hub have also been instrumental in sorting and resourcing toys to distribute to families and we are so grateful for everyone’s efforts as it is providing a vital life line to families who have been disadvantaged by the pandemic.”
Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhood and local partnerships, said: “Christmas can be a challenging time for many families, particularly those who are struggling financially and this year could prove even more difficult for those who are impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. It is wonderful to see funding from East Durham AAP and members’ Neighbourhood Budgets helping to make a difference to so many families and individuals across East Durham.
“New toys, additional food and care packages will help to make Christmas brighter for many of our residents and the many voluntary and community organisations that are providing support to those in need across the county this Christmas, should be very proud of their efforts.
“I would also urge anyone who is struggling over the festive period this year to look into what help and support is on offer in their local communities and reach out to those organisations. No one should feel alone.”
More information about AAPs and the services available can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/aaps
