West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has praised the efforts of volunteers across the county who have helped vulnerable people throughout the pandemic.

And to mark Volunteers’ Week, Harriett met with the trustees of Pershore United Charities to discuss the work local church groups have carried out to support the community over the last 16 months.

Harriett has worked closely with volunteers and the local Foodbanks to help ensure that people who need support are able to access it as quickly as possible.

The Government offered two national support grants during the winter totalling £229 million distributed through local authorities to help people who faced extra heating or living costs as a result of the lockdown.

Harriett commented:

“Voluntary groups have done amazing work trying to help out in all sorts of ways through periods of lockdown and it is heartening to hear directly how they have been able to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

“From a national perspective, the Government created a range of support schemes to help out, but it is clear to me that the local network has been very active providing an extra safety net for local people.

“It is a measure of our society that we are able to help those in need and I was grateful that Reverend Claire Lording hosted this meeting so I could hear about the work being carried in Pershore and beyond.

“The message is clear: if you need help, please do ask.”

Photo: (l-r) front row, Harriett Baldwin MP, Reverend Claire Lording, middle row Ian Bickley and Debby Rowley, back row Peter Carling, Robert Speight, Andy Walton.