Date issued: 31 July 2020
Colchester Borough Council has joined forces with Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service (ECFWS), which is delivered by Virgin Care in partnership with Barnardo’s, and Livewell to launch a scheme for families with children who need food support during the summer holidays.
The scheme, covering Colchester and Tendring, will initially see 100 food packages and recipe cards offered to families supported by ECFWS who are economically vulnerable and food insecure.
There are also plans to extend the scheme – thanks to funding from Livewell – by supporting other organisations and community groups such as Essex Integration, Refugee Action - Colchester and The Boaz Project to provide their own food packages and recipes. This will ensure the scheme is fully inclusive with all the food provided.
As well as food, the scheme will also share 300 ‘Silly Squad – Summer Reading Challenge 2020’ packs from Essex Libraries, 300 activity packs from Active Essex and 300 welfare packs to help parents reach out to organisations for support and advice. Library and activity packs will also be distributed to vulnerable Colchester Borough Homes tenants.
Cllr Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “The reality is that the school summer holidays can be a difficult time for vulnerable families – and that’s without the added complications and pressures brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am sure that this scheme will have a positive impact on low-income and food-insecure households who are just about managing to cope in these incredibly difficult times.”
Davina Francis, Hub Coordinator for Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service in North Essex, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for organisations to work together to provide support to our local families during this challenging period.”
The holiday hunger food packages initiative supports the Council’s commitment to Livewell, promoting healthy messages and supporting residents to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Colchester Borough Council has joined forces with Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service (ECFWS), which is delivered by Virgin Care in partnership with Barnardo’s, and Livewell to launch a scheme for families with children who need food support during the summer holidays.
The scheme, covering Colchester and Tendring, will initially see 100 food packages and recipe cards offered to families supported by ECFWS who are economically vulnerable and food insecure.
There are also plans to extend the scheme – thanks to funding from Livewell – by supporting other organisations and community groups such as Essex Integration, Refugee Action - Colchester and The Boaz Project to provide their own food packages and recipes. This will ensure the scheme is fully inclusive with all the food provided.
As well as food, the scheme will also share 300 ‘Silly Squad – Summer Reading Challenge 2020’ packs from Essex Libraries, 300 activity packs from Active Essex and 300 welfare packs to help parents reach out to organisations for support and advice. Library and activity packs will also be distributed to vulnerable Colchester Borough Homes tenants.
Cllr Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “The reality is that the school summer holidays can be a difficult time for vulnerable families – and that’s without the added complications and pressures brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am sure that this scheme will have a positive impact on low-income and food-insecure households who are just about managing to cope in these incredibly difficult times.”
Davina Francis, Hub Coordinator for Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service in North Essex, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for organisations to work together to provide support to our local families during this challenging period.”
The holiday hunger food packages initiative supports the Council’s commitment to Livewell, promoting healthy messages and supporting residents to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Page last reviewed: 31 July 2020