Volunteers collect more than six tonnes of food

A voluntary group in Risca has collected more than six tonnes of food with their ‘Tin on a Wall’ initiative – the equivalent of six Fiat 500 cars.

The Risca Covid-19 Volunteers have given half of the donations to the Trussell Trust foodbank in Risca, which now has enough stock to last six months.

The Tin on a Wall initiative sees residents leave non-perishable food, such as tinned food, outside their front doors ready to be collected by volunteers. The food is then taken for sorting, before being collected by local charities.

The initiative has also inspired similar schemes in Blackwood and Pantside.

Tara Holloway Scott, who is one of the group’s 150 volunteers and part of its admin team, said the foodbank had to borrow a community hall to store the donations – with two vans and 15 car boot loads needed to transport the food.

The group, which was formed in March following the coronavirus outbreak, has also been collecting donations for St David’s food bank in Risca, as well as Feed Newport CIC.

As well as collecting food donations, the volunteers have been supporting vulnerable residents in Risca, making around 120 calls each week to check in with them, as well as shopping and collecting prescriptions on their behalf.

The group is looking to start socially-distanced coffee mornings for vulnerable residents, when guidelines allow.

“Many have been shielding for so long that they need support and a confidence boost to feel safe enough to leave their homes,” said Ms Holloway Scott.

“Our callers have now built up a rapport over many weeks and months of regular phone calls, so will be on hand to help integrate our vulnerable residents back into the community one step at a time.

“Our aim is to bring the community together and to help prevent the vulnerable from being alone.

She added: “Community spirit here is likened to the days of old when everyone knew their neighbours. People ask each other how they’re doing and they’re genuinely interested in their reply.

“They look out for one another. It’s truly beautiful to be a part of.”

As part of their work in the community, around 7,000 ‘kindness cards’ have been pushed through homes in the area.

The group is applying for charity status and has become an agency for the Trussell Trust, meaning they can issue vouchers for food parcels.

To make a donation towards the group, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/riscacv19volunteers