We are proud to sign up to the More than Homes campaign and the vital work of the Trussell Trust supporting families in need locally and across the UK.

The devastating impact of Covid-19 on people’s lives and our communities is being felt right now and is set to stay with us in the longer term. More than ever the collective response of the housing sector and the millions of people we serve is needed.

By coming together we can meet the challenges faced in our communities, in many households and in people’s lives.

That’s why we wholeheartedly support this campaign, led by Accent Housing and backed by the Chartered Institute of Housing, the National Housing Federation, Northern Housing Consortium and housing groups up and down the country. Our support also builds on a long and successful partnership we have had with Bradford Central Foodbank – part of the Trussell Trust – which has included generous staff donations made over many years.

At Incommunities we have seen first hand the enormous impact of this pandemic on our customer and as a group we have had to adapt and redeploy our resources to meet their needs, whilst ensuring the safety of everyone including our employees.

Over the last few months our teams have worked with the Council and local partners to identify those in our community who have been struggling and provide them with whatever support they might need. This has included:

• setting up a food distribution hub in the city from where over 10,000 food parcels have been delivered
• making donations to local food banks and the Keighley Salvation Army food bank where demands have put enormous pressure on supplies
• delivering food supplies to refugee and asylum seekers in self isolation
• donating and delivering baby food, nappies, milk and wipes to local families
• working with the Council’s Access to Housing Team to provide sustainable housing for homeless people initially moved into temporary accommodation during lockdown
• making over 7000 welfare calls to customers over 70 and those identified as vulnerable such as people needing benefit or debt advice
• providing daily support to residents at our retirement schemes
• running hundreds of shopping trips and other errands to assist customers in self isolation.

These are certainly tough times. Covid-19 has challenged economies, communities and our way of life. Sadly, in 2020 more and more households rely on the lifeline foodbanks provide.

Supporting this campaign will not end the growing strain facing many people. Equally, foodbanks are not the panacea to the deep seated issues the pandemic has stirred up but they are able to provide compassionate and practical support into the heart of our communities. It’s a rewarding role that attracts many inspiring individuals and volunteers, drawn from different walks of life, who share a passion for helping others.

I would urge everyone to get behind this fabulous campaign and help the Trussell Trust to support as many people as possible through these unprecedented times.

Now is the time for us all to step up and help improve lives.