Newton Helping Hands project launches school uniform bank

The Helping Hands project, with Newton and Earlestown Community Group (NECG) is again seeking to help residents in need.

As well as a school uniform bank, the project is collecting IT equipment to work with the Hope Centre in St Helens to distribute to those in need.

After launching in the initial lockdown last spring, Helping Hands has delivered around 12 tonnes of food, collected prescriptions and driven around 2,500 miles thanks to the efforts of its team of around 150 volunteers.

Marc Faulkner, of Newton Deli

It also helped deliver 2,500 Easter eggs last year and held a scarecrow competition, worked with the Riddling Rack to deliver free afternoon tea to veterans and helped give free afternoon tea, meals and PPE to NHS frontline staff.

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Seve Gomez-Aspron, of the NECG and Newton ward councillor, said: “The whole pandemic has been a massive pressure on our community, so NECG have adapted our offer throughout to ensure we help those in need of a little bit of help.

"We had massive support from the Steve Prescott Foundation, Newton Deli, The Victoria Inn, St Helens VCA, our local churches and the council, and a massive thanks to Johnny Vegas for helping out."

Seve Gomez-Aspron with Johnny Vegas, who has lent his help

He added: "We are currently running our school uniform bank with the kind help of Wargrave Church, and are collecting IT equipment to work with the Hope Centre to distribute to those in need. If you need help, or want to help with those projects, then get in touch on Secretary@necg.org.uk.

"We’re also running a Community free hotpot this month for over 200 people in WA12 with our partners at the Victoria Inn and Newton Deli.

"The community in Newton-le-Willows always pulls together and it’s a fantastic place to live.”