Back in March, as the nation watched the coronavirus crisis begin to unfold, North West Durham Constituency Labour Party (CLP) members instinctively knew that residents here were going to need support and the occasional shoulder to lean on.

Our coronavirus community assistance scheme, made up of Labour members, was one of the first dedicated COVID-19 support initiatives set up in the country and the sole aim was to provide assistance to individuals or families in desperate need – whether they were ill, self-isolating or shielding.

Since March, a team of volunteers from the local Labour Party, have helped 100’s of people with various tasks from picking up shopping, delivering prescriptions, telephoning residents to combat loneliness, running general errands, donating to foodbanks and more.

We initially expected the scheme to come to a natural end as the crisis improved, but sadly this has not been the case. We now find ourselves facing a difficult winter and we understand local people will continue to need support, so our assistance scheme is here to stay for the foreseeable. It is very easy to self-refer, please call/message 07474 020000 or 07885 695929, alternatively you can email nwdclp.campaigns@gmail.com. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need support, whatever your political persuasion.

We must stand together to make sure we come out of the other side of this crisis and, as the local Labour Party, our support for the people of North West Durham remains – and always will.