Northumberland woman keeping elderly and vulnerable people supplied with food during lockdown named community champion

A woman who has ensured elderly and vulnerable people are supplied with food has been named as the second Blyth Valley community champion.
Claire Bennett and Ian Levy.Claire Bennett and Ian Levy.
Claire Bennett and Ian Levy.

The area’s MP, Ian Levy, set up the scheme to recognise the efforts of volunteers during the coronavirus crisis, with Claire Bennett, from Holywell, the second champion for setting up the Holywell Village Isolation Support Group.

Claire initially established the group to help a few of her neighbours with their essential shopping, but it now provides a weekly food parcel to 50 elderly and vulnerable people who are self-isolating.

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The group has a dedicated phone number that Claire takes calls from every day of the week and a Facebook page to help lift people’s spirits.

Reacting to being named a community champion, she said: “I am a little embarrassed to be chosen and I didn’t expect the group to grow as quickly or as big as it did.

“I spoke to my husband Nic just before lockdown as we have a lot of elderly neighbours who we thought might need help.

“It is hard work but I really wanted to do something. Holywell is a lovely place to live and I have had so much support from people to deliver the food parcels. New friendships have been formed which is brilliant.”

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She also thanked Mr Levy for his support, in delivering food every week from Morrisons in Blyth and securing vouchers from Lakes & Dales in Seaton Delaval so Claire can top up on essentials.

Claire has vowed to keep the deliveries going for as long as they are needed.

“I first heard about Claire’s amazing work in early April not long after she set up the group,” Mr Levy said. “What Claire has done for Holywell is incredible and the appreciation and gratitude from residents is fully deserved.

“Claire does a great job delivering food parcels and coordinating volunteers but has also brought the village together through organising VE Day celebrations including a baking competition. She really is a community champion.”

Nominations for Mr Levy’s scheme can be made at www.ianlevy.org.uk/form/blyth-valley-community-champions, with a weekly deadline of 5pm on a Wednesday ahead of the announcement on social media on Fridays. A special reception will be held for all the champions when it is possible to do so.

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