James thanks Help Hub from bottom of his heart

A Blackburn resident who receives support from the new BwD Help Hub has thanked the Council team from the bottom of his heart.

James Campbell, who has diabetes, regularly receives food parcels as he self-isolates at home due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

And James became a TV star this week as he appeared on BBC North West Tonight as part of a piece about the Bwd Help Hub operation.

The Council’s new support network was set up to offer help to residents of Blackburn with Darwen who have no one around them to shop for food and other essentials and pick up prescriptions.

77 year old former engineer James said:

It’s absolutely marvellous, and has enabled me to stay safe at home which is essential at the moment.

They’ve told me to just call again if I need anything. It’s reassuring to have that contact, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Since launching in March, the Help Hub has received over 2,000 requests for support. Requests vary from families asking for help finding nappies and baby formula to people needing support with their mental wellbeing.

A food warehouse, set up specifically to support people who are shielding and isolating at home due to Coronavirus, has been delivering parcels of food and household essentials since early April. To date, the warehouse team have delivered almost 5,000 parcels.

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

We set up the Help Hub to support people who have no family living close by and no other support networks they can regularly call on for help. I feel very proud of how many people the Council has been able to support, and how quickly staff worked to set up the Help Hub and food warehouse.

Our staff have shown real dedication and passion for supporting our local community, and I commend them for their hard work in these testing times.

Anyone who needs support and has no one else they can call on can contact the BwD Help Hub:

• Fill in the online form at blackburn.gov.uk
• Call 01254 588111 – calls are taken 9am-5pm Mon to Fri, and 9am-12pm Sat & Sun

The Council website has updated information about support for residents during the Coronavirus pandemic. The website contains listings of some local organisations who can provide support. Visit www.blackburn.gov.uk for details.