Here's the latest from our friends at Darlington Support, courtesy of Joanne Cameron:

Coronavirus support has expanded to meet the changing demands in Darlington.

We currently help residents who can't get to the food bank or The Bread & Butter Thing hubs with the delivery of their food parcels. This doesn't just apply to people that have been shielding at home but also to anyone who is in need and can't access these services.Also Darlington Library's home service, which relies on our team members to do the delivery of books, serves individuals who have been shielding as well as those who find it difficult to visit the library or carry books.

​​​​​​​With schools starting soon , this is a critical time for us to help as many families as possible. Therefore in the same way we are helping those residents who use the Foodbank , TBBT & the library services we will be helping with the delivery of school uniforms and clothing items to people that need them. Joanne and her son Jack, alongside members of Darlington Support and Northgate United Reformed Church at their school uniform shop. If you would like to donate any items of school uniform or know anyone who would you can find information on drop off points here:

https://www.facebook.com/DarlingtonCares/posts/1663157343844055/

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In addition we have also been volunteering at North Road cemetery, many residents in Darlington have relatives and loved ones who are buried in North Cemetery.  They are understandably upset when the cemetery is not properly maintained.  Following the response received asking for suggestions of offering one-off volunteering opportunities, we organised activities to support the Friends of North Road Cemetery.

The activities included tidying the stones, pulling the weeds and sweeping in different areas of North Cemetery, which contains significant monuments, a chapel and the graves of historical figures, some of which are more than 100 years old. Unfortunately as we know the weather has changed but luckily we still managed to carry out a considerable amount of work much to the delight of the 'Friends of North Road Cemetery who were extremely grateful for all the help they were given.