Former soldier salutes BwD Help Hub

A former soldier has given a special salute of thanks to Council staff and volunteers working on the new BwD Help Hub.

Robert Hamilton, who served as an infantry soldier in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, is grateful for the support he’s received through the Council’s new service.

Because of a health condition, Robert is isolating for 12 weeks at his Blackburn home and cannot get out for food and essential supplies.

When he made contact with the Help Hub, Robert said that he hadn’t spoken to anyone but the postman and his six year old son for eight weeks.

This week Robert received a food parcel through the Help Hub.

50 year old Robert commented:

Thank you so much. I salute you all for the work you are doing.

The emergency services are also doing a fantastic job keeping the streets safe, and the NHS staff are heroes too. Last week I sent some pizzas up to the hospital as a gesture of thanks.

The BwD Help Hub has been set up as a support network for residents in need who have no one to support them while isolating at home during the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Help Hub provides a range of support, from organising deliveries of food and essential supplies to vulnerable people, and providing information and advice, to regular telephone calls to help keep people’s spirits up during periods of isolation.

Anyone who needs help during the current difficult circumstances should:

• Fill in this online form
• Call 01254 588111 – calls are taken 9am-5pm Mon to Fri, and 9am-12pm Sat & Sun

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:

Supporting vulnerable residents is a key priority for us as we deal with the worst public health crisis in a generation. We quickly set up our Help Hub to ensure that no one in Blackburn with Darwen struggles during the Coronavirus epidemic.

A range of support is available in addition to food parcels. Through partners and voluntary groups, we can also put people in touch with services to meet their other needs including collecting prescriptions and supporting their mental wellbeing.

A Community Connector from the Council is also putting Robert in touch with a veteran support group to have regular phone conversations, to lift his spirits while in isolation at home.