When Covid 19 lockdown was announced in March, BELTA (Bristol Estate Leaseholders & Tenants Assoc) quickly adapted the community room and kitchen to meet the needs of residents across our local community in East Brighton.
Like the rest of the country, members of our community were suddenly and with little warning directed into self isolation /social distancing and staying at home, many found themselves unemployed or furloughed. It quickly became apparent that many residents were not prepared for these new measures or able to cope. Necessities like food, toiletries and cleaning materials were no longer available or where they were, many residents were unable to access them due to health or financial reasons. BELTA quickly mobilised a group of almost 50 volunteers and working with Brighton & Hove Food Partnership, Fareshare, Trust for Developing Communities, Acorn, East Brighton Food Coop and others, organised itself to provide an emergency food provision for elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating residents on and around the Bristol Estate. for nearly four months the service has provided up to 350 hot meals per week and up to 50 food parcels for those that needed additional assistance. Our incredible volunteer team has also been able to check in with residents to offer friendly support and signposting to other essential services when needed.
As lockdown eases and restrictions are gradually lifted, we have been scaling down the service by gradually reducing the days we prepare and deliver cooked meals and food parcels. The service in its current form will close on Sunday 19th July
From then the BELTA team will refocus on areas prioritised pre Covid 19 such as refurbishing the community hub and kitchen and revitalizing the community allotment. Check out the volunteer roles if you would like to be involved in any aspect of this voluntary work. Updates will be posted on the website, social media and in the Due East Newsletter as this work is carried out and we are able to open for community activities and events again.
We are working towards plans to revive the emergency food hub should we face another lockdown again the future and we are hoping to run a weekly Food Club scheme. All current Food Hub users have been contacted and where needed we've helped put in place alternative support, If you are a current service user and need more advice about the closure, please visit https://www.belta.org.uk/food for more information or get in touch with us
email: office@belta-brighton.co.uk