Newcastle Labour councillors have donated £2,000 to the Citylife Line appeal to support organisations providing food and essential assistance during the coronavirus pandemic.
The donation will help voluntary and community organisations meet the growing demand for support from vulnerable and isolated residents across Newcastle.
Citylife Line was established to provide a clear route to assistance for people who cannot rely upon friends, relatives or neighbours. It connects residents with food deliveries, prescription collections and other practical support.
Council staff, charities, neighbourhood groups and volunteers are working together to deliver that help. Many organisations have experienced a substantial increase in demand while their normal fundraising activities have been disrupted.
Labour councillors have been supporting the response within their wards by sharing official information, referring residents to appropriate services and identifying gaps in the assistance available.
Councillors wanted to complement that practical work with a collective financial contribution to the appeal.
The coronavirus emergency has exposed the inequalities already present within our city. Residents without strong support networks, secure employment or sufficient income face greater risks from both the virus and its economic consequences.
Citylife Line demonstrates how trusted community organisations and public services can combine their local knowledge and resources to protect residents.
We remain enormously grateful to everyone who has donated money or supplies, volunteered their time or looked out for an isolated neighbour.
Leader of Newcastle Labour, Cllr Nick Forbes said:
“Newcastle Labour councillors are pleased to contribute £2,000 to Citylife Line. This donation supports the extraordinary work of council staff, volunteers and community organisations providing food and practical assistance to residents throughout our city.”