Joining forces to help vulnerable people in Leamington during Coronavirus pandemic

More than 50 supporters have donated to Leamington-based Helping Hands to help people during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Donations have gone towards helping to furnish houses for people who have been re-homed during lockdown, including homeless people and domestic abuse survivors.

The charity, which furnishes ten properties on average per week through the House to Home scheme, is relying on donations to buy new rugs, furniture, mattresses and kitchenware with volunteers unable to collect previously-owned items safely during lockdown.

Donations from local companies such as Aston Martin have included brand new cookers, toasters and kettles for those that have moved into permanent unfurnished accommodation.

There have also been donations of support from companies across the area including Wright Hassall, Deeley Group, Comtech, Lime Recruitment and Warwick Castle.

Other donations have gone towards the Chef’s Helping Hands project, which aims to continue their work feeding over 1518 vulnerable people a week with food donated by local businesses including Aubrey Allen, New Bowling Green in Warwick, Coffee Architects, and Café 31 in Warwick.

Lianne Kirkman, who runs Helping Hands, said: “We are so grateful for all the support we have received during these difficult times that is allowing us to continue supporting those most in need.

“We have been working with the Council, the Salvation Army and LWS night shelter to support the most vulnerable during this crisis to provide safe permanent homes, as part of a council-led Housing First project and Helping Hand has been able to contribute through the House2home project by providing essential household items.

“Without being able to collect pre-owned furniture donations during lockdown, our supplies were very limited, but these donations have allowed us to buy brand new equipment for those who have been re-homed during lockdown.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to all who have donated to our projects.”