A COMMUNITY hub offering a helping hand to people in need during the coronavirus lockdown has launched in Culcheth.

Warrington Wolves players Dec Patton and Danny Walker lent their support at the official launch of Helping Hands Community Group’s new branch last week.

The group, founded by Carol Kilgannon and Stephen Murphy, changed its focus to try and help support people who are shielding and in self-isolation at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis.

It brings the total number of hubs to three, with the others located in Orford as well as Fairfield and Howley.

Wendy Maisey OBE, who runs the Culcheth facility located at the Village Club, said: “I’ve been working out of the Orford hub for a month or so now since the lockdown and seen first-hand the amazing work undertaken in the community.

“With the extended lockdown, some people are still unable to leave their homes and demand for the essential hampers is greater than ever.

“It seemed the right thing to open a branch in Culcheth to serve the WA3 area and take pressure off the Orford hub.

“We receive our referrals mostly from people within the community who are concerned about a neighbour, friend or member of their own family.

“We’re not a foodbank and our service relies upon the generosity of the community donating items to us.

“We’re providing a stopgap for the most vulnerable people, who may not be able to venture at this time of crisis and our service is not means tested.”

Jordan Kiss helped set up the hub, along with Wendy and parish councillor Val Allen.

He thanked all who have donated and singled out the Bibby family for allowing the Village Club to be used as the base.

Jordan added: “Lastly, we also need to thank Quench Café who donated and delivered essentials to us and Culcheth Community Church for promising a donation to Helping Hands in the near future.”

Donations can be handed in at the Co-op, on Common Lane, or the Village Club, on Wigshaw Lane, between noon and 3pm Monday to Friday.