A PROJECT which has helped the most vulnerable during lockdown is winding down its food deliveries but a community fridge will still be available for residents in need.

NLW Helping Hands was set up by Newton and Earlestown Community Group (NECG) and Newton Community Fridge at the start of lockdown in order to help those most vulnerable during lockdown such as the elderly, those undergoing treatments for cancer and those struggling financially due to job losses.

The project has been based out of Newton Deli and The Victoria Pub and the volunteers recently received an award from Love Tunza to recognise their hard work.

The project is winding down deliveries but Newton Deli will still be open to access its Community Fridge.

The project will continue to support those physically unable to leave the house or those undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron, also of NECG, said: “We set up the project to ensure no residents fell through the gaps in such a difficult time and I’m proud of what the group have achieved.

"It’s involved long days and late night collections from supermarkets, but has been well worth it. We’ve delivered more than 12 tonnes of food which is enough to provide 38,000 meals to 150 families a week.

"We’ve delivered 8000 leaflets, 2500 Easter eggs for free, held a scarecrow competition with over 700 entries judged by Johnny Vegas and moved over 12t of food.

"We wouldn’t have been able to do this without the generosity of the public and businesses in Newton-le-Willows and further afield. St Helens Council and St Helens and Halton VCA have been a huge support.

"I have to give a massive thanks to Marc, Kath, Jeanie, Rod, Andy, Debbie and Lisa for all their help and all of us have been in work full time.

"Whilst we have winding down the deliveries, we will continue to help those most in need through the Community fridge, our local foodbank at St Johns and those too ill to access help.

"I hope we’ve provided support to those in need in strange times.”