Preston North End Community and Education Trust have delivered their first Festive Hampers to those accessing the Tackling Loneliness Together programme.
Tackling Loneliness Together is running in conjunction with the EFL Trust, with 32 EFL clubs running initiatives to support isolated elderly and vulnerable members of the community.
PNECET has been supporting such individuals in Preston and the surrounding areas with socially distanced, outdoor garden gate visits to bring essential goods to residents and check in on their mental welfare by staying to talk on the doorstep.
Other initiatives have included online Zoom meetings for different community groups and friendly phone calls being made to those in need.
Season ticket holder Dave Mallon has been staying in touch with Community Inclusion Officer Alistair White, leading on the Tackling Loneliness Together programme, with friendly phone calls and garden gate visits.
Dave was the first recipient of a Festive Hamper – which include essential goods, as well as seasonal items and club related items – and are being delivered to the elderly and most vulnerable members of the community.
“Without patronising anyone, it cheers me up – it’s great,” Dave said after receiving his hamper.
“That’s the main thing, that’s what’s really made me chuffed, that it’s come from North End. I told Alistair that me and my wife have been supporting PNE for 120 years between us.
“I spend a lot of time on the phone talking about Preston North End, 90 per cent of the time. This is just another boost on top of that.
“It’s cheered me up because I have been a bit fed up. My wife’s not brilliant at the moment and she can’t come to the door. It’s boosted me up.
“It’s great and I pass it onto people. I’ll be ringing some of my friends and telling them how helpful you have been.”
For more about the Tackling Loneliness Together programme please contact alistair.white@pne.com.
You can refer someone to receive a Festive Hamper by downloading the attached referral form and emailing it to community@pne.com. Meanwhile, you can also donate to support the initiative by clicking here.