A COMMUNITY centre in Workington has stepped-up to support vulnerable people.

Moorclose Community Centre has turned itself into an emergency base to deliver food to those self-isolating and for other vulnerable people to collect food, in light of the new guidelines to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Despite having to cancel clubs and sessions, the centre is very much still there for anyone who needs it, said manager Angela Good.

“We started our first community food collections and made our first deliveries to people who are vulnerable, we have delivered to around 100 people on the first day.

“It’s not just people from Moorclose we’re supporting, it’s pretty much the whole of West Cumbria.”

Angela is helped by Stephen Rumney and Trish Heron, but they also receive help from young disabled people supported by South Workington Youth Partnership, which operates from the centre.

Staff and volunteers have isolated an area of the centre for people to come and deliver and collect food.

They are wearing masks and gloves to protect themselves and premises are sterilised regularly.

And even though supermarket shelves have been emptied by people panic-buying food, Angela is confident their service will continue.

“We are being helped by supermarkets including Tesco, Lidl and Morrisons, but [wholesale supplier]Caterite have been great.

“They’ve been supporting us for the last few months and as the food supplies are starting to dry-up, they are able to provide fresh produce.

“We plan to make soup that we can deliver to people. It’s amazing how much you can do with a few ingredients.

“When you have nothing, everything is of help.”

As Government guidelines are updated, the centre will review its practices.

But Angela and her team are working with local authorities to be there for the most vulnerable.

“It’s quite humbling to be able to do this, we’ll do whatever we can to help the community.”

To receive support from the community centre visit their Facebook page: Moorclose Community Centre