A Community Grant fund of £2,178 helped to supply 200 Covid-19 packs to vulnerable households in the local area.
Containing up to 11 cleaning and personal hygiene items – the packs helped residents who are struggling financially to stay safe during the current pandemic.
East End Residents Association works hard to improve the lives of residents through the delivery of a number of programmes and services, particularly around benefits and housing.
Volunteers who are all Housing Executive tenants handed out packs to those who were in need and vulnerable during the most recent lockdown.
An information leaflet was also included in the pack providing essential information and details of how the group could also further support local residents.
Ian Cox, chairman of East End Residents Association, thanked the Housing Executive for allocating the essential funding.
He said; “I would like to thank the Housing Executive for providing the funding in order for us to supply residents with hygiene packs in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Along with our knowledge of local residents situations we also contacted Irene May, our Patch Manager, who helped us identify those most in need.
“These packs not only helped due to financial difficulties but also reduced social isolation and made residents aware that we are here to help in any way possible.
“This was also achievable by the support and dedication of our volunteers and committee members who worked tirelessly to carry out this project out. A big thank you to all involved!”
“Throughout the lockdown period and indeed even now in times of uncertainty, I would like to personally thank and acknowledge Ards and North Down Area Manager, Owen Brady.
“I would also like to thank Good Relations Officer, Gus Moore and Irene for their invaluable support. We look forward to continuing this great partnership in the future.”
Ian is also hopeful that the recent project will provide an opportunity to promote East End Residents Association to the wider community and encourage more residents to avail of its services.
When restrictions fully ease, the group would also like to welcome a greater footfall into its community office, which is a Housing Executive community let.
Owen Brady, the Housing Executive’s Ards and North Down Manager, welcomed the recent funding allocation and thanked East End Residents Association for their ongoing work.
He said; “It has been wonderful to work alongside East End Residents Association and find out more about their worthwhile project that has helped to benefit the Newtownards community.
“The Covid-19 packs are a fantastic example of a local community group using our funding to help residents overall health and well-being at a time when they may need to be supported.
“Our team looks forward to working again with East End Residents Association in the near future on other projects together.”
