A COMMUNITY project has been inundated with offers to help as they continue to support the elderly and vulnerable across the county.

The Leader previously reported that James Hunt, founder of the Nanny Biscuit community project, has set up a new community group, along with the other hard-working volunteers, to ensure the elderly and most vulnerable have what they need during this time of crisis.

As a result, the team had over 200 applications from keen volunteers.

Now, two months on, the project continues to thrive, and the group is continuously thinking of more ways they can help those in need.

The community group - Nanny Biscuits Flintshire Coronavirus help group –has been offering the delivery of food supplies and a pen-pal service over the phone.

James told the Leader: “We had over 200 applications and at the moment we have 35 active roles but we are trying to devise more ways of using our volunteers.

“We are trying to ride the coronavirus wave and help people as the issues arise. We trying to anticipate who to help. It’s been absolutely full on and testing for everyone within the organisation.

“It’s been really good seeing people doing this out of the kindness of their own hearts.”

The Leader:

The group has also launched a subsidised food shopping for children whose parents are struggling financially.

These packs are usually around £25 to buy but are available for much cheaper via Nanny Biscuit with CAFgas paying part, and are designed around and for children.

The packages include: semi or whole milk, box of cereal, pack of Breakfast Bars, 10 pieces of assorted fruit, loaf of bread or Wraps or Finger Buns, ham or chicken pack, jam or soft cheese, tuna or hot dogs, margarine, pasta, tuna, cheese, eggs, beans, juice, yoghurts, biscuits, crisps, jacket potatoes, pot noodles and salad products.

The group has also finished a pilot scheme with Wellfield Care Home in Hawarden, Cottage care home in Mold and Hollybank care home in Shotton.

Packages have been sent out to residents who have celebrated their birthday and local children were asked to write and send in letters and cards.

It is hoped a collection point can be set up in large supermarkets and businesses so children can post their birthday letters for care home residents.

Any business looking to help can contact Nanny Biscuit.

James added: “We’ve just finished the pilot with the three care homes. Over the last week we delivered five packages to elderly residents who celebrated their birthday and asked children to write letters and cards and we donated money towards a little present for them.

“The feedback we had from that has been amazing. It cheered people up and showed them that people outside the care home do care for them.

“We just need to find collection points now to allow people to post their letters.

“The birthday messages are better for their mental health, it just shows that there is love and support from outside of their care homes.”

Due to the success of the group, some aspects will be continuing after the coronavirus pandemic, such as the buddy call system and discussions are in place in how the team can help care homes in the future.

They have also helped out people overseas.

James told the Leader: “We’ve had a lovely gesture from a family in Connah’s Quay, the Brierley's, their dad Neville Brierley unfortunately died and instead of flowers they asked for donations for Nanny Biscuit.

“This raised £600. We are helping a community abroad, there’s a tribe in Africa I spent time with last year.

“We think we’ve got it bad here, it doesn’t even compare to over there, there’s no community groups, no government aid and it’s every man for himself.

“All they are eating at the moment is fish so that £600 is going to them. I lived with them for a few weeks last year, they are beautiful people. They do what I do over here but on a much more extreme scale.

“All the money they receive will help people with medical bills and food.”

James added that this was a time for people to come together.

He said: “This is a real important time for people to come together, my concern is people not staying in.

“Please carry on adhering to Welsh Government guidelines. Things may be getting better but as a community we need to take responsibility for ourselves and others.”

More information can be found on the Nanny Biscuits Flintshire Coronavirus help group or email info.nannybiscuit@gmail.com