A range of help and support has been put in place for people experiencing difficulties with food and other essential provisions at this time.

Staff and volunteers at Cardiff Council are helping to provide emergency food parcels to those struggling financially or for those self isolating with no family or support during the Coronavirus outbreak. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming over 55,000 lives and infecting over 1 million people.

A delivery of oranges to a Cardiff Council depot

A range of help is available from shopping for food for those who cannot leave home themselves, to the provision of emergency parcels of food and other essentials for people struggling financially.

Claudia Apopii checks a food parcel list before it leaves Cardiff food bank for the community.

A large number of volunteers responded to the Council’s call for communities to come together to help each other under the scheme, Together for Cardiff. These volunteers will assist the delivery of this support to residents.

A food delivery left at the door of a family who are self-isolating in Cardiff. Photo credit: Matthew Horwood

Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne, said: “This is a strange time for us all and we know that some residents will be feeling very concerned about how they can provide food for themselves and families.

“If anyone is struggling to get these essentials, please get in touch as we can help. Our hubs teams are working tremendously hard to make sure those in most need are provided for.”

How to get help

For people NOT self-isolating but unable to afford essential provisionsThe city’s Hubs and Libraries service is supporting the Foodbank, with the distribution of emergency parcels from four core hubs in the city – Ely and Caerau Hub, The Powerhouse in Llanederyn, St Mellons Hub or Central Library Hub. While the hubs are closed for general public access, residents can knock on the door of the Hub and staff can help by issuing a food and essentials parcel.
For people who ARE self isolating and have no family or supportAnyone in this position who needs assistance to buy provision should call the Advice line on 029 2087 1071 to be put in touch with volunteers who are able to help with shopping. This service is only for those with no-one else available to help.

How to offer help

Opportunities are available on the Volunteer Cardiff website – www.volunteercardiff.co.uk

Since the launch of Together For Cardiff, the Council has been overwhelmed by the number of people offering their services and time to help others. The website now has details of a number of organisations looking for volunteers that anyone interested can contact directly. Many groups have been set up at a neighbourhood level allowing volunteers to be able to help people living close by.

For business who want to help

The Council is very keen to hear from any businesses who would like support the efforts to help the most vulnerable in the city, by donating food or essential items. Please call our volunteer line on 029 2087 1239 or email [email protected]