A NEW initiative has been launched in Brampton to support people who are struggling financially and physically by providing them with a hot home-cooked meal.

SHINE (Support, Help in Nourishing Everyone) was initially set-up to support residents in Brampton and the surrounding area during the pandemic by delivering food parcels and meals.

The volunteers soon realised that people isolating in more rural areas were also in need of support so the network was expanded to include them too.

So, they have taken on two local chefs to produce nutritious home-cooked meals for people in the area.

Mike Kane, manager of SHINE. said: “The team had at the start of the Covid-19 crisis concentrated working with Carlisle Food Bank and Carlisle Meals on Wheels, whilst ensuring DBS checks were in place along with getting a number of staff trained in food hygiene.

“It’s been a lot of work but it’s important that these measures are in place so the project is a sustainable one that can meet the needs of our community beyond the immediate Covid-19 crisis.”

The group is registered with Carlisle City Council to ensure that all regulations are being met during the pandemic.

It has a dedicated group of drivers who work with Carlisle Food Bank and Carlisle Meals on Wheels to deliver the meals to everyone who needs them.

Keri Tipler, one of the chefs working with SHINE, had been visiting from France but travel restrictions have prevented her from returning.

She said she was delighted to be giving something back to the community, using her professional skills by volunteering for SHINE.

"Preparing hot and frozen meals to those who need a little extra help, has been really rewarding,” she said.

The group has also been in contact with schools to ensure that families are getting the hep they need during this time too.

SHINE can be reached by calling (01697) 927005.