Fundraiser launched to boost Citylife Line service during coronavirus outbreak

Newcastle City Council has spent tens of thousands of pounds on food and provisions for the most vulnerable people in the city and now Citylife Line is appealing for further donations to support those in need of help.

The impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been widespread, with many more people and households in Newcastle now facing poverty.

Citylife Line is the new support service that is helping vulnerable people and those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Working with key charities in Newcastle, Citylife Line is supporting local residents to get the provisions they need, whether they are self-isolating or staying at home because they are particularly at risk of serious illness from the virus.

Since its launch at the end of March, almost 1,500 people have contacted Citylife Line to let us know they are in need of help. The requests are matched with local charities and community organisations to coordinate support where it is directly needed.

Connected Voice, a charitable organisation at the heart of Newcastle’s voluntary and community sector, is playing a vital part in the citywide community response to COVID-19. They will be accepting donations and 100% of all donations will go directly to local charities involved in the Citylife Line initiative. Any money leftover will be used to support local charities working to support future hardship in the city.

Donations can be made here.

Cllr Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “Citylife Line was established to make sure those who needed help received the necessary support and I am delighted so many people have made use of the service instead of struggling in silence. I would urge people to continue getting in touch with us.

“The number of people telling us they want to help out in the community has been incredible. There are so many people wanting to make a difference and now those who can contribute can directly support organisations already making a huge difference on the ground. I’d like to thank Fenwick for getting us started, and if you can spare even a small amount for a donation, it could make all the difference to families in our city struggling to cope.”

Lisa Goodwin, Chief Executive of Connected Voice said: “Local charities and the teams within Newcastle City Council have worked incredibly hard to bring this vital service to those in need.”

“The generous donation from Fenwick’s will go towards helping us purchase the food and provisions we need to continue supporting incoming requests for help.”

“We’ve seen an amazing response to our callout for volunteers. This new appeal is a great way for those who are unable to volunteer to offer direct support to a crucial service that is already making a positive difference to people’s lives across our city.”

Speaking on behalf of the Fenwick family, Leo Fenwick said: "We hope that our donation will help support the critical work of Citylife Line. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many people aren’t able to get out of their houses and this will ensure they have access to the food and supplies they need."

The national measures in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus permit people to leave their homes for work, for health reasons, or to purchase food when required if it is safe for you to do so. Friends and family are also allowed to purchase food and leave it at your home for you if they can.

There are also several resources for free and low-cost food throughout Newcastle. Details of these are published on InformationNOW here.

Find out more about Citylife Line at www.newcastle.gov.uk/citylifeline. If you have an urgent request for support that requires a same-day response, call the helpline on 0191 277 8000.