Holbeck Together Covid-19 Report: Anchoring a Community

When the Covid-19 pandemic emerged in March 2020, it was clear that we would need to respond fast and effectively. We already knew that the older, frail and isolated people who are a core part of Holbeck Together’s user group would be disproportionately affected by the virus and by the likely social distancing, self-isolation and lockdown rules.

We quickly adapted our services to ensure that people in our community were looked after, able to get food deliveries without putting themselves at risk and able to stay connected. Since then, thanks to a phenomenal team effort from the community, including support from our staff, volunteers, partners, and the wider social care sector across Holbeck, we have provided:

• over 8,500 meals delivered to older people in their homes
• more than 1,500 meals to families affected by the impacts of Covid 19
• a volunteer to do shopping on behalf of someone who couldn’t get out on nearly 200 occasions
• food relief through over 2,100 food parcels 
• nutritious food and activities for 65 children through school holidays, lockdowns and beyond
•  wellbeing support (includes: befriending calls, wellbeing checks, outreach support, crisis support, wellbeing packs) on more than 4,000 occasions
• 2,000 at home activity packs for our older community and young families 
• weekly check-ins (5-10 minutes) for 60 isolated older people, exploring emotional welfare; immediate practical needs; any health worries  

The tumultuous year we have faced as an organisation has provided valuable learning opportunities and will continue to do so. Although times continue to challenge us, our priority continues to be looking out for our Holbeck community in every way that we can.

Find out all about our journey through lockdown and beyond in more detail: