Market Rasen mayor praises residents’ amazing efforts to support the elderly and vulnerable

Speaking at the virtual full council meeting on Wednesday (July 22), Mayor John Matthews said there had been ‘a lot of activity’ behind the scenes in Market Rasen over the past few 
months.

Residents and community groups have worked together to make sure elderly and vulnerable people have had plenty of support during this difficult 
time.

Addressing the meeting, Coun Matthews said hot and cold meals had been delivered on alternate weeks and that around 30 food bank parcels were distributed every 
Friday.

He said: “There’s been a lot of activity behind the scenes in town.

“[There are] food banks [and] hot and cold meal distribution, distributing about 25 meals to the elderly who are shielding.

“We’ve also set up a chat circle with a group of volunteers to keep those who are lonely, not so lonely.

“It doesn’t have a huge subscription but those who have subscribed say it’s 
successful.

“The uniform bank to help less fortunate families. We’ve been given the former Quintessential shop for a minimal rent.

“That will open in the next couple of weeks, for a couple of hours a few times a 
week.

“Before schools reopen in September it’ll give less fortunate families a chance to get uniform, to help families out, because we realise a great deal of families in town have been affected financially by the pandemic.

“Thank you to all of you for making these things happen.”

Speaking after the meeting, Coun Matthews said the town council had also done a lot of work to help Market Rasen’s elderly and vulnerable residents.

He said: “We’re doing a lot of work with the food bank, Salvation Army and New Life Church, and we’re working with the special needs register to make sure families at risk are 
helped.”

Coun Matthews said he personally was still shopping for two elderly people who were shielding and wanted to limit their potential exposure to the virus.

And he said he was still helping out with prescription runs for residents.

Do you have a story to share about how you have been helped by a resident during the coronavirus 
lockdown?

Let us know who you would like to thank by emailing [email protected].
uk.