Council staff and community partner organisations have again joined forces to support Wirral’s schools to ensure pupils self-isolating continue to receive their free school meals.

With schools dedicated to keeping their settings as COVID-secure as can be, some pupils have had to self-isolate for 14 days, either due to being in close contact to someone testing positive or testing positive themselves.

Schools and the local authority want to ensure children who usually receive free school meals continued to receive meals whilst isolating.

Partner organisations Neo Community and Involve North West Community Connectors stepped up once again to work alongside council staff to assist with the delivering of meals and ensure that no child would miss out whilst isolating.

Cllr Wendy Clements, Chair of Wirral’s Children, Young People and Education Committee said: “Partnership working has always been integral to achieving the best outcomes for our residents. This has never been highlighted more than over the past few months, when partners have demonstrated their willingness to pull together in times of need.

“The incredible work of our partners alongside council staff have shown time and time again that they are dedicated to the common cause of helping residents in the borough. They have this time helped ensure those children who would usually receive free school meals, do not go without whilst self -isolating, for that I would like to express admiration and my thanks to them all.

“I’d urge any residents who may be struggling to get food during this time or struggling in general, to reach out for support, we are all in this together.”

With a shared commitment in ensuring residents receive as much support as possible during this time, the partnership working between the council and community partners has gone from strength to strength.

From teaming up to run the emergency food hub in March to embarking on summer projects aimed at feeding and engaging with children over the summer holidays.

Adam Mellor, Development Manager for Neo Community said: “Neo prides itself on collaboration and the importance of partnership to meet the needs of our communities of Wirral.

“During this difficult time, it is again the time for community partnerships to step up to the plate and support our statutory partners in reaching the people who are isolated and in need during this unprecedented time. At this time Wirral should be proud of our communities and the groups that support them.”

Staff from across the council have been making further commitments to ensure critical services continue and if unable to fulfil their usual role due to COVID, have been supporting other front line service areas in response to the virus.

Residents who are finding it difficult to get the food they need because of the coronavirus situation or personal circumstances caused by it can continue to access a range of support in Wirral. You can find more details about this on the council's Wirral View website.