Covid food scheme in Endon wins Government award

Published on 4 September 2020

Taking care of others and helping the people who need support is the positive legacy we will all benefit from as the Moorlands and the country emerges from the Covid-19 health pandemic.

And the efforts of a leading District Councillor, Joe Porter, to ensure residents in Brown Edge and Endon continued to enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables throughout this period have been recognised at national level by the Government.

The 'Food for Endon' project set up by Councillor Porter has received a 'Point of Light' award which recognises outstanding individual volunteers who are making a real difference in their communities.

Alongside this project, Councillor Porter has also set up an online forum to help hundreds of locals in the village contact with one another as well as creating the 'Help and Hope' scheme in partnership with two local churches to deliver weekly shopping, collect pharmacy prescriptions and run weekly chats with elderly and vulnerable people who may feel isolated.

Councillor Porter said: "I'm delighted to receive this award from the Prime Minister for service to the people of Brown Edge and Endon during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Being a local councillor and serving the local community is a great honour and I'd like to thank our District Council staff for all their hard work during this difficult period.

"Ultimately, this has always been about helping elderly and vulnerable people when they have needed it. That's why I must also thank Haregate Community Centre in Leek, Endon St Luke's Church and Endon Methodist Church for helping me run 'Food for Endon'."

Leader of the Council, Councillor Sybil Ralphs, said: "This year we have all come to value the support of our neighbours and local communities more than ever before. The response we've seen from people and groups across the Moorlands, who have more than risen to the challenge of taking care of the most vulnerable people, has been overwhelming and humbling.

"Every one of them is equally deserving of this award and I know that Councillor Porter accepts it with humility and on behalf of the whole district. It epitomises the Moorlands spirit which I know will see us emerge from this pandemic with optimism, strength and a true sense of togetherness."