Through your letters page could I please ask your readers for their help. We are delighted that Meals on Wheels Cumbria has been chosen to benefit from the Co-op Local Community Fund.

At a time when funds for community groups and charitable organisations are becoming more difficult to access, we’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity to make a real difference in Carlisle and district.

We are raising funds to recruit, train and support our team of around 45 volunteers who deliver the freshly cooked, hot meals five days per week in their own vehicles.

We currently deliver on average more than 60 meals per day over six separate rounds in Carlisle and Brampton area. Customers are mainly, but not exclusively, older people who are either housebound or unable to shop or cook for themselves.

Volunteer drivers and helpers usually deliver to the same group of people so are able to build strong relationships, monitor the safety and wellbeing of customers and quickly alert family or medical professionals if they have any concerns.

Customers say they welcome the visits from a familiar and friendly face who can break up, what for some, are very long lonely days. Families tell us they really value the reassurance that someone is seeing their relative every day and can quickly alert help if needed.

To help us raise vital funds, we’ll be relying on Co-op members. When a member buys selected products or services from the Co-op they earn a five per cent reward for themselves, with a further one per cent for local causes like ours.

The Co-op is looking to support organisations that make a difference in their local communities by protecting and improving community spaces, helping people reach their full potential by developing their skills, or promoting health and wellbeing.

Co-op members can choose a cause by going online www.coop.co.uk/membership. We really hope that people will visit the website and choose to support us.

If you’re not a member and would like to support us, you can join at your local store or online at www.coop.co.uk.

When a community comes together we’re able to achieve great things, so we hope you can help promote our project.

For more information about us, please visit www.mealsonwheelscumbria.org or telephone Trish Price on 01228 267167

Lynne Hutchinson

Meals on Wheels Cumbria Volunteer

Little Corby

Carlisle