The response from the local community and support of residents and organisations in donating and distributing food and supplies to help the elderly and vulnerable in Perry Common and Wyrley Birch has been overwhelming.

But as the COVID19 pandemic continues to impact our daily lives so the needs of our most isolated and affected residents are increasing.

In the past three weeks more than 300 parcels of essential food and household items have been delivered to homes across the community. Support from The Active Wellbeing Society and The Real Junk Food Project has enabled the local Community Response Team (Witton Lodge Community Association, Urban Devotion Birmingham, St Martin’s Church, The Net Pentecostal Church and St Margaret Mary Church) to focus on satisfying the needs of people with specific medical conditions and diet specific requirements as well as those vulnerable people shielding or self-isolating.

In order to continue to achieve this we urgently need help with supplies of the following items:

• Pasteurised or semi-skimmed UHT milk for the under 5s
• Tins and jars of ready made baby food
• All sizes of baby nappies and baby bath for washing
• Sanitary towels/toilet paper
• Laundry washing powder/tablets
• Washing up liquid and household all-purpose cleaners
• Toothpaste, soap, shampoo
• Longlife ready meals containing none-bean protein (ie tinned meatballs, tinned cooked steak, tinned chicken) for the shielded
• Tubs of instant coffee; catering packs of tea bags; catering sacks of flour

Rob Netherway, Flourishing Community Services Manager at Witton Lodge Community Centre, said: “We are truly grateful for the help and support we have received so far that has enabled us to meet the needs of our local community. But as the impact of the Coronavirus continues to take a hold of people’s lives in all four corners of our community the need for essential supplies is at its highest and continues to rise.

“We are not a foodbank or an alternative to the shops. We are a vital resource which is committed to helping the most vulnerable members of our community during this pandemic.

“We have helped a young man in the shielded group. He had been struggling to access the food he needed to stay well for weeks and was risking shopping. Thanks to your donations he now has what he needs to keep well, stay home and stay safe.’

“With the continued support of our fantastic residents and local organisations I’m sure everyone who needs urgent help will get it.”

If you are able to donate any of the items listed here please take them to Perry Common Community Hall (87 Witton Lodge Road); Urban Devotion at Hope House (148 Witton Lodge Road) or St Margaret Mary Church (Perry Common Road) between 11am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.