A community hub in Maidstone has delivered more than 300 food parcels to those in urgent need and received nearly 1,800 calls for help, since it started running three weeks ago.

The hub, set up by Maidstone Council, is made up of different teams working together online and physically, with the focus on meeting urgent food and medical needs for the vulnerable.

There are now more than 2,600 people in the borough who fall into the most vulnerable category and need shielding, according to the council.

The hub has received 1726 requests for help since it opened on March 25.

One team is also dedicated to helping and contacting people who are socially isolated and need wellbeing support.

Alison Broom, chief executive of Maidstone Borough Council said: “Our council led hub has been set-up in response to the Government introduction of ‘shielding’ and the call to create a network of hubs covering the whole country for the most vulnerable people in our community.

“It is offering help to those people who don’t have a support system in place and assisting people with serious medical conditions who have been told to remain indoors for 12 weeks due to Coronavirus.

'It is fantastic to see everyone pulling together and working so hard...'

“We have been inundated with offers of help from volunteers, community groups, charities, councillors and parish councils.

“It is fantastic to see everyone pulling together and working so hard to support our communities. Thank you so much, we are truly very appreciative.

“I am incredibly proud of our own staff too who have worked tirelessly to set up the hub at such short notice, completely from scratch."

The hub is open Monday to Thursday between 8.30am and 5pm and Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Those who want help from the hub should call the free number 0300 303 1650 or click here.

A freephone Kent County Council 24 hour helpline is also available at 03000 419292 or to visit the website, click here.

To get all the latest coronavirus news and guidance, click here

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