Charities join forces to support locals in Burnley and Pendle

Earlier in June, Muslim Global Relief contacted Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service to discuss the Covid-19 response in Pendle and how the two charities could collaborate to ensure the response continues to have such a positive impact upon local communities and their vulnerable people.

Muslim Global Relief was delighted to present a cheque for £1,000 to BPRCVS on 11th June 2020 at its office in Nelson. The donation is to help support the wellbeing of vulnerable families, particularly the lonely and needy, who are being affected by the pandemic.

Muslim Global Relief’s Charity Director, Mohammad Razaque, said: “We are pleased to be able to assist local projects through our partnership with the Council for Voluntary Service, in the hope that it will bring about a positive change in the lives of vulnerable people in our area who are struggling to make ends meet.

"We are delighted that our donation will help vulnerable people of all ages through the crisis in the coming weeks and months, including those affected by issues such as hunger, domestic violence and abuse, homelessness and isolation. We also believe that, given the right support, anyone can change their life for the better.”

BPRCVS has been working in partnership alongside the Pendle Community Support Hub since the start of the pandemic by accepting referrals and processing and matching volunteers to collect and deliver prescriptions, find befriending support, deliver food parcels, make shopping trips, and provide wellbeing support and advice.

Christine Blythe, BPRCVS chief officer, said: “The coronavirus crisis has presented significant challenges for many vulnerable people to overcome. Lockdown has resulted in many struggling for food, medication, access to services and support, and basic company and friendship resulting in isolation which in turn has affected the mental health of many.

"This generous donation will ensure we can continue delivering valuable support to the people of Pendle.”

While lockdown restrictions are being lifted and things are slowly returning to normal there is still a need for support throughout Pendle with many in need of support for food, medications and befriending. Mental health issues have been on the rise since the crisis began and there is expecgted to be a need for support for many months to come as the knock-on effects of coronavirus are felt throughout communities.

Coun. Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said: “It is great to see two local charitable organisations coming together for the greater good of Pendle. It was a pleasure to present the cheque from Muslim Global Relief to BPRCVS.

"I know the donation will make a massive difference to BPRCVS’ ability to ensure the people of Pendle continue to receive the best possible support as we start to come out of lockdown.

“It’s been fantastic to see how our local community groups, businesses and individuals have reached out to help others throughout this most difficult time. Thanks to their efforts so many people have been given a much needed lifeline.”