Delivering a helping hand in North Kesteven

North Kesteven District Council has launched a new initiative offering a helping hand to those in need over the winter season.

Residents in the district, who are most isolated or unable to get to the shops, can be comforted by a food delivery service as part of a Winter Wellbeing programme.

A network of volunteers from across North Kesteven will be on call to work with the council, Carre’s Grammer School, Sleaford’s Riverside Church and New Life Community Larder to deliver the essentials to those in need – including pet food.

The programme is scheduled to begin as soon as temperatures fall to a consistent 3 Celsius or lower, or if there’s snow and ice on the ground.

There is no age limit, although eligibility criteria does apply – relating to isolation, access to transport, physical ability to leave the house and safety in doing so, availability of friends or family to shop on your behalf and urgency of need.

Any North Kesteven resident who considers themselves to vulnerable and in need would call the Council on 01529 414155 or 01522 699699 (if calling from a Lincoln number), make their request and answer a few questions.

Once a volunteer has been arranged to make the delivery, they would be called back, asked to make payment of £15 for a food parcel or £4 for each pet parcel and confirm delivery arrangements.

The volunteer would go to their nearest Lincolnshire Co-operative store, collect the food parcel, drop it in either the same day or the next – between 8am and 5pm – and whilst there, ensure that the client is safe and well.

The project, operating within North Kesteven, will initially only be available on weekdays.

NKDC Executive Board Member Councillor, Lindsey Cawrey, said: “We are really pleased to have been able to set this project up in partnership with the Riverside Church and New Life Community Larder in Sleaford, and with the enthusiastic support of Lincolnshire Co-op.

“Working together, we can ensure no-one needs to go without wholesome meals this winter, even if they can’t get out to the shops themselves or have anyone else they can call on to help in the worse weather.

“No-one knows how harsh the winter months will be, but we all know how nice it is to know there’s someone looking out for us and also the satisfaction of knowing you have helped someone in need.”