The following is a news update from Maldon District Community Volunteer Service (MDCVS) director, Sarah Troop.

Throughout the second lockdown the community coronavirus response team were available to respond to requests from the community for food and medicine provision. Calls to the

helpline were steady but much reduced from the numbers seen over the summer. Many of those previously supported had been able to find ways of adapting with support from

friends and family and their community.

We are now out of the national lockdown and back into the Tiered system, with Essex currently being placed in Tier 2 and the helpline remains open to anyone who continues to need support with food, medicines and a range of other services.

From the 21st December the hours for the helpline will be changing to reflect the reduced demand to 10am to 2pm Mon-Fri and during the festive period there will be some additional

changes as below:

21st -24th December: 10am-2pm

25th-28th December: CLOSED

29th-31st December: 10am-2pm

1st-3rd January: CLOSED

4th January onwards: 10am-2pm

Anyone who may need help over the festive period is asked to call the helpline on 01621 851997 before the 22nd December so food parcel provision can reach them before the response team cover reduces.

On the Dengie the Food pantry remains open throughout the festive period on both the 23rd and 30th December, 10am-12noon at the URC Church in Southminster. In Maldon the

foodbank's last session of the year will be on the 17th December, 10am-12noon at the Elim Church on Wantz Road.

Residents can also call the Essex Wellbeing Service on 0300 303 9988 who will be available to offer support on the below times:

Christmas Eve: 8am-6pm

Christmas Day and Boxing Day: closed

New Year's Eve: 8am-6pm

New Year's Day: closed.

Every other day normal hours 8am-7pm Monday-Friday and Saturdays 10am-2pm.

In the mean time members of the Coronavirus response team are involved in activities that aim to bring some community spirit and Christmas cheer to the community in December.

Community Cinema – Maldon and District CVS are hosting screenings of traditional Christmas films in community venues.

Drive through Carol Service – hosted by the Fullbridge Church at Maldon Prom Park.

Christmas Present Appeal – The Salvation Army and the Maldon Family Hub are supporting low income families with presents.

More information is available by visiting the Maldon District CVS website at the link here.