VOLUNTEER group Northwich in Need has praised the community spirit present in the town after securing funding for meals for the homeless.

The group has been working in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council to offer support for those sleeping rough and without a home.

With the help of Rudheath and Witton Together, Northwich Isolation Support and Victoria House hostel, funding has been secured for meals for clients for the next six weeks.

And this is just one glimpse of the togetherness and cooperation shown by people in Northwich during the current coronavirus pandemic, according to Northwich in Need founder, Daniel Pendlebury.

“With the ongoing situation ever changing, cross party work and coordination is essential,” he said.

“This has been evident recently in Northwich.

“This is a time yet again when community support really shines through, and the positive benefits of working together can only help to quicken the process.

“It is heart-warming to see the support of the community at these difficult times and again makes us all proud.”

This comes at the same time as the council increasing support for people who are homeless in the borough by offering accommodation.

As it is more difficult for homeless people to self-isolate and social distance, the Government asked all local councils to ensure everyone has a room along with access to food and support.

The council, alongside voluntary groups including Northwich in Need, have ensured that every person who is homeless has been offered a room in supported housing, B&Bs and other types of managed accommodation.

Food packages are being provided for those self-isolating and for anyone else who needs special assistance, and personalised support is available from drug and alcohol teams for those who need it, depending on a person’s individual needs.

Cllr Richard Beacham, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and growth, said: “Collectively, we have been dedicated to the cause of finding accommodation to allow people sleeping rough the same chance as the housed community to stay indoors, avoid others and survive this pandemic.

"I would like to pay personal tribute to all of the staff and volunteers who are working hard to care for the homeless community in our area at this time.

“We still have work to do, but their efforts so far have put us ahead of the curve in responding to this crisis and under very difficult circumstances."