St Helens Borough veterans will soon receive complimentary food hampers in a partnership project between the council and local veterans’ community

The hampers containing various food items, face masks, meal plans, shopping lists and recipe ideas, as well as signposting for physical health and mental wellbeing support have been funded by the council and will be distributed by the Saints Community Development Foundation and other local veterans’ groups in time for Easter.

The project was developed by Teresa Mercer, St Helens Borough Council’s Community and Business Health Promotions Officer, who has a strong connection to the Armed Forces community through her veteran father and growing up with serving members.

Hampers also contain a wealth of information from other local services, including Trading Standards, St Helens Wellbeing Service, Positive Life Workshops, Plan Bee and the Trussell Trust.

Steve Leonard, Director of Saints Community Development Foundation, said: “It makes an incredible sight seeing our veterans’ camaraderie shine through as it has done on numerous occasions.

“Thanks again to the great people of St Helens Borough for their great work, kind donations of groceries and essentials for our local veterans and their families. We would also like to thank our volunteers from the Veterans of The Foundation for delivering the parcels and more importantly checking on the wellbeing of their friends and comrades when they need it most.”

Labour Cllr Lynn Clarke, St Helens Borough Council Armed Forces Champion, says: “This is a terrific project and I’m delighted we’ve been able to make it happen. Thank you to the Saints Foundation and all those who have worked with us to make these essential deliveries and offer support to our Veterans community.”