THE Welcome at Longridge is launching a new lunch delivery service today (Tuesday) to get food out to those who are struggling to cook for themselves.

Centre manager Sarah Riley said a choice of hot or cold lunch would be delivered during the week by a team of volunteers.

She said: “In response to the number of people in the community who are struggling to cook for themselves through social isolation, illness, age or disability we are launching a new lunch delivery service to compliment the emergency food distribution scheme we are delivering with Hope Central.

“We’ll be offering a choice of hot or cold lunch delivered to people’s door Monday to Friday (except Bank holidays) from today, and have a team of volunteers ready to deliver out to the community.

“We have a veggie alternative and a salad option as well as a different hot lunch prepared fresh each day.

“If people are able to pay we’re charging £3.50 per meal, but we have received enough donations from generous individuals in the community to cover costs if not.

“To protect volunteers and staff we currently can’t accept cash, but we have the facility to send an email or text link to take a card payment if needed.

“Our main concern is to get the food out to the people who need it.

“If you are aware of service users, friends or family who would benefit from this please pass on their details, with their permission, and we’ll get them set up as soon as possible.”

If you would like to support with deliveries please register with Hope Central – info@hopecentral.org.uk

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If you would like to support the lunch scheme you can do so via

virginmoneygiving.com/charities/thewelcome

Alternatively to text up to £20 just text WELCOME followed by the amount you wish to pay to 70085; for example, Text ‘WELCOME 10’ to 70085 to donate £10.