Dozens of hot meals are being provided throughout the week by local initiative Together4Dover (Covid19 support) for vulnerable families and individuals around the town.
Working with Dover District Council’s community development team, the group, which comes under the umbrella of Dover Big Local, has been delivering hot meals three times a week directly to local residents. Meals are also being provided to Porchlight to distribute to rough sleepers currently in temporary accommodation.
The meals have been kindly supplied and prepared by the Best Western Dover Marina Hotel.
The town’s Aldi store supplied Together4Dover with 300 Easter eggs before the break to be distributed to the food bank and local families.
Among other activities Together4Dover volunteers, working with Crosslinks, have been shopping and picking up prescriptions for people who have no transport or are self-isolating. Two volunteers have been making face masks – they could use more material to make more – and a third has sourced home-made hand gel for their use.
Together4Dover’s Deacon Michelle Legumi said: “I feel so humbled and enlivened by the joined up working, whoever we are and whatever we can bring to the table, for the benefit of those most in need. May this continue long after Covid19!
"There has been an incredible amount of work done by a handful of people, some of whom continue to work full time as well, to get this off the ground and in such a short amount of time. A huge thank you to everyone involved."
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “This is another fantastic example of communities pulling together to help the most vulnerable at such a difficult time. I never fail to be impressed by just how resourceful people can be when faced with adversity.”
As well as covering the whole of Dover – from Aycliffe to Buckland Estate and St Radigund's to Maxton – the Together4Dover covers surrounding villages including Alkham, Capel, Eythorne, Elvington, Guston, Hougham, Kearsney, Lydden, River, Temple Ewell and Whitfield.
People needing help can call Together4Dover’s helpline seven days a week 9am-5pm on 01304 892519 or email help@together4dover.org.uk.
Further help for vulnerable people can be arranged through Kent Together or call 03000 419292. Dover District Council is also running a seven day a week Community Hub service via email Covid19@dover.gov.uk or call 01304 821199 between 9am and 5pm.
Posted on 15 April 2020