Two charities have joined forces to help the most vulnerable people in society during Covid-19.

The Big Help, which includes Knowsley Foodbank, and Croxteth Federation’s Family Matters Project have  been awarded £39,310 by the Steve Morgan Foundation’s Covid-19 Emergency Fund.

They’ve been using two Steve Morgan Foundation Smiley Buses and two newly-bought eco-friendly eBikes to deliver hundreds of food bags and essential supplies to those most in need.

Following the award they’ve appointed a Community Resilience Manager to oversee four new support staff at both the Liverpool and Knowsley sites.

They have also teamed up with the local shop and pharmacy to provide food and support to those in hardship either by way of collection or through a delivery service.

The charity is also looking to improve IT systems so workers will be able to continue offering advice and information on a range of subjects including food poverty, welfare and debt advice to clients from their homes.

Cllr Peter Mitchell who chairs the board of trustees of both organisations said: “We’re best placed to know what the community
needs and the support from the Steve Morgan Foundation has helped make it possible

“Between both organisations we fed over 20,000 people in 2019 and distributed over 100 tonnes of food and now we have the right people in place to face this challenge.

“Our food pantries have been a big success, helping people to help themselves and become less reliant on foodbanks.

“With more than 50 staff and over 125 volunteers supporting us every week, we are ready to face the challenges during this crisis.”

Croxteth Federation’s CEO Ken Eaton said: “It’s about trying to deliver services in a different way. We can respond quickly whether it’s emergency items, advice on welfare benefits or whatever.

“There are a lot of people who are isolated and vulnerable. Because we have access to the minibus, vans and an eBike we can ferry large and small amounts of food around to the people who need them.

“We are delighted with our grant from the Steve Morgan Foundation, which has enabled us to increase staffing capacity to support those experiencing hardship in these difficult times.”

Steve Morgan, founder of the Steve Morgan Foundation, said: “This is a brilliant example of a charity helping the most vulnerable people in society when they need help.”