x

Summer 2019 

MVP has decided that, after 10 successful years, the classic format Mortimer Fun Day deserves a rest, at least for 2019. We still very much want you to keep July 6th 2019 in your diaries –  since we hope that interested parties with ideas for a community based event, supported by the MVP, will come forward and we can still enjoy getting together as a village on the Fairground next summer. At present, other than feeling it should have a more community-minded, local feel, we're open to proposals. What do you think it should be? This is an opportunity for new, blue-sky thinking so if you have an idea, big or small, old-fashioned or innovative, tell us about it. With the involvement of additional, enthusiastic people, we can create something very special for the village. If you have any thoughts about this contact Steve Borrett srs1600i@yahoo.co.uk 07581314506 who is collecting ideas.

Helpline - Important Updates

The MVP helpline for the village has been operating for over three weeks now. After a rapidly changing, chaotic environment initially, we have adapted and now see a bit more structure and stability emerging. We are connected to lots of other groups from Council services to the NHS. In working in this wider network we are sharing best practice on handling the types of requests we are all seeing and two important updates have emerged.

Foodbanks

We are seeing more requests for information on foodbanks as the economic impact of this crisis hit home. In Mortimer you can call the helpline for advice, or call one of our local three foodbanks directly:

NHS Shielding Food Parcels

If you have been requested to shield yourself by a healthcare or other official body, you will have been able to benefit from booking priority delivery spots from food retailers as well as receiving free food parcels delivered to your door.

These are national initiatives and are not means-tested. Some recipients who don't need the food parcels but welcome the delivery slots have tried to cancel just the parcel. Although this seems to be possible on the online system please don't do it. All of the groups we work with have had wide reports of the delivery slots being cancelled along with the parcels.

If you have a free food parcel that you don't need, call the helpline and we will have it picked up and either recycled through Budgens or donated to a local family in need.