The Salvation Army joins forces with 22 local organisations to launch ‘Harwich Helps’ in coronavirus response

The Salvation Army in Harwich has teamed up with a range of other local organisations to launch a new support network and helpline for the Harwich community amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Harwich Helps, which is an organisation offering practical and emotional support via a dedicated helpline, saw over 100 phone calls in the first four days since its launch proving that support is needed by the community in order to get through the current coronavirus crisis.

Support on offer to the local community through the multi-agency initiative includes:

• Food delivery service for the vulnerable and self-isolating
• Foodbank provision for those experiencing financial hardship
• Prescription pickup and delivery for the vulnerable and self-isolating
• Utility top-up for the vulnerable and self-isolating as well as those experiencing financial hardship

Lieutenants Shawn and Victoria Moye, joint leaders of The Salvation Army Harwich said: “The joining up of different organisations within the Harwich community to provide this multi-agency service shows the passion that people have for the area and the need to support the local community during this time of crisis. 

“Harwich Helps is there to help those most in need and the helpline is a way for the vulnerable and isolated to get what they need. The volunteers that have stepped up to be involved is a true testament as to how community spirit is in full force at this challenging time.”

The helpline can be reached on 01255 554115, Monday – Friday available between 09:00 am – 5:00 pm and on 07708 124661 and 07716 866927 seven days a week, again available between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Local retailers have also assisted Harwich Helps in the last week, since the Government ruled new measures in social-distancing, including Greggs, McDonalds, Lidl, Morrisons and Fresh Direct which provided fresh food supplies.

More than 120 volunteers across Harwich and the surrounding areas have joined forces to support the multi-agency initiative which includes approx. 40 from The Salvation Army.

The full list of organisations providing support through Harwich Helps is:

The Salvation Army Harwich, Church of England Harwich Peninsular Parish, Dovercourt Central Church, Kingsway Community Church, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Community Voluntary Services Tendring, Harwich Homestart, Harwich Connexions, NEST, Park Pavilion, Long Meadows Community Centre, Essex United in Kind, Teen Talk, Harwich Town Council, Tendring District Council, Harwich Foodbank, Baby Bank Tendring, Tendring Hygiene Project, Essex Fire Service, Essex County Council, Councillor Ivan Henderson and Les Nicoll.

For those looking to support Harwich Helps a Just Giving page has been set up and can be found at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/harwichhelps. Donations can also be sent by cheque to The Salvation Army, George Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3ND.

All donations will only be used in the local area for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.