An East Durham charity, which distributes hot food and emergency parcels to those in financial hardship, has received a £10,000 cash boost to increase its services to those in need.

​The Big Lottery's Award for All grant will be used to improve the kitchen facilities of East Durham Trust's People's Takeaway - a volunteer-led service, which prepares and distributes meals to people facing financial difficulties.

​The extra funding will see more meals delivered and a wider variety of food on offer. It will also support the provision of family arts and crafts activities at the charity's building Community House, which also includes a free meal for those that come along.

​The Trust already distributes around 100 food parcels every week and around 30 hot food deliveries to those who are struggling financially.

​Chief executive Malcolm Fallow said: "The impact of welfare reform and austerity has been catastrophic for many people in the local area with many struggling to feed themselves or their family on a regular basis. With such lack of cash, families also struggle to find social activities to enjoy as a family. This grant from the Lottery will allow the Trust to help many local people in such situations, providing a meal and activity for free."

​He added: "Such support wouldn't be available without those who play the National Lottery and so we would like to say a special thanks for their support too."

​The new programme of family activity will start in April, with various sessions taking place in the Easter holidays too.

A NEW takeaway scheme providing support to east Durham residents is looking for volunteers to help with the making and delivering of hot meals to those in financial crisis.

East Durham Trust is establishing the innovative People’s Takeaway, a unique concept aimed at further enhance the poverty intervention and support provided by the charity.

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