£20k funding will support some of the most vulnerable people in Millom

Millom Integrated Care Community (ICC) has secured £20,000 to support the Around the Combe Community Group volunteer fund which helps some of the communities most vulnerable residents.

The money will be used to ensure the most vulnerable people in the community are safe, fed warm meals and have their shopping and prescriptions delivered.

Between 23 March and November 1 2020, the 60 volunteers have provided support to over 8,000 people in the community through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic including delivering 3,950 hot meals, 2,330 food parcels and 623 prescriptions.

A resident, who has had to rely on the volunteers due to shielding because of a long-term condition, said: “I was one of the first to have to isolate and then shield from the onset of the COVID pandemic. I live alone and have a Chronic Kidney Disease which makes me extremely vulnerable to infection of any kind. My medical team warned me not to go out or even have anyone in my home, making me terribly isolated.

“Luckily for me living in Millom meant that immediately a team was set up to help anyone within our area who needed any kind of help. It developed as time went on but initially, it meant that there was someone there to make sure I had all my needs met. I was ill for part of the lockdown period and was immediately offered a hot meal each day to ensure I was not only eating properly but also eating a well-balanced diet. They even took into consideration my dietary needs. Because I take life-saving medication I need regular prescriptions collecting, taking to the chemist, and delivering to my home. This was done (and is still being done) without any problems or fuss despite being rather a journey to collect from my particular surgery.

“I also have a dog and when I was struggling to get out because of restrictions the team organised a volunteer to come and walk him on a regular basis. I cannot tell you how helpful this was at a time when everything was so difficult. It took a lot of worries away for me. Any shopping I have needed, no matter it was food, home supplies, crafts to keep me occupied or even garden equipment, it was all done in a very professional and friendly manner.

“I have no idea how I would have managed without this group and even my own medical team have been astonished at the care and professionalism with which it has been carried out. Nothing is too much trouble and only a message away. It has truly been a lifesaver for me and has meant I can isolate myself without the worry of how I am going to manage. I continue to use the service and am grateful to those who had the inclination to set it up.”

Jenny Brumby, Lead Volunteer, said: “Over the past nine months, myself and Millom Town Councillor Jenn Jakubowski have coordinated support in our 13 communities around Black Combe. We have seen so much vulnerability and hardship within this time many of this was there before the pandemic.

“By working with our ICC this has given us the opportunity to help so many people with food parcels, hot meals, prescriptions, shopping and our befriending group. This help wouldn't be possible without the funding from Cumbria Community Foundation, Cumbria Police Commission and our NHS. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jenny Riley and our funders for their support through this very difficult time. With the new funding, we can continue our work and help people through Christmas and beyond.”

Millom ICC secured £12,500 from Cumbria Community Foundation, £5,000 from Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Fund and £2,500 from the NHS Volunteer Winter Fund.

Jenny Riley, Millom ICC Development Lead, said: “It has been a pleasure submitting these bids for Millom and seeing the amazing work the volunteers have done in the community. For some people, this has been a real lifeline in a very difficult period. The volunteers have delivered hot meals and food hampers to the most vulnerable and those who need a helping hand during the pandemic. The bid monies will ensure this can continue over winter and help even more residents of Millom.”