Community hub that has been a lifeline for thousands of Burnley people during pandemic more vital than ever in third lockdown

And there is a 'new urgency and dedication' among the staff at Burnley Together who have pledged to continue to provide help and support as the fight continues to beat Covid-19 and get back to some kind of normality.

That is the pledge from Burnley Council leader Coun. Mark Townsend who said: “Now, more than ever, with the latest national lockdown and rising cases of infection and deaths, the work of Burnley Together is essential to help support and protect some of the most vulnerable in our communities.

“Ever since it was launched, Burnley Together has provided a lifeline to those who find themselves in the direst of circumstances because of covid, particularly the elderly and others who are clinically vulnerable and who are most at risk from the virus."

Burnley Together was formed in the early days of the first lockdown as partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors came together to co-ordinate help and support for residents across the borough.

Since then it has provided a wide range of support to hundreds of individuals and families, many of whom faced financial difficulties, worries and loneliness as a result of the outbreak.

The services provided range from obtaining food parcels, help with shopping and meals on wheels to dog walking, collecting prescriptions, dealing with social isolation and loneliness to financial and debt advice.

Coun. Townsend added: “We’ve just entered a new year and there is a new urgency and dedication among the hard-working staff who run the community hub to continue to provide help and support until we start to beat this virus and our lives can get back to something approaching normality.”

The hub provides a 'one-stop shop' where businesses, groups and individuals who want to help and can offer services, and those who need help, can be brought together.

Burnley Together has a dedicated helpline which operates between 9am and 5pm and the number is 01282 686402.

The lines are manned by experienced call handlers that are able to signpost people to the services they need.

There is a facebook page 'Burnley Together' for people to get in touch and offer or access services and support.

There is also a website www.burnleytogether.org.uk and email address [email protected]