Ashton charity among first to benefit from Tesco fund

An Ashton-based charity, working to support the mental health of Tameside residents, has become one of the first in the country to benefit from a £500 grant from Tesco's Covid-19 community fund.

It's part of the retailer's £52 million package of support for local communities hit by the lockdown.

Earlier this month, Tesco’s CEO Dave Lewis outlined the retailer’s plans to provide nationwide support for local groups, including £25 million in food donations and a Bags of Help COVID-19 Community Fund, to support as many groups as possible with grants of £500.

Making full use of the grant, The Anthony Seddon Fund has put the extra funding towards providing home deliveries for those in need, whilst its regular operations are put on hold due to lockdown. 

In normal circumstances, the charity offers therapeutic support services from its town centre base on George Street - including peer support groups, arts & craft sessions and daily mental health support drop-ins.

However, the charity’s founder has said the majority of its support network was "put on pause overnight" due to the lockdown.

Donna Thomas, the CEO, said: "We set up the Anthony Seddon Fund six years ago following the death of our son to suicide. Out of this tragedy came an opportunity to support the mental health and wellbeing of Tameside residents. 

"The help we provide had to change overnight as a result of the lockdown. As a result, we immediately had to shift our support to our most vulnerable clients in an alternative way. We began to deliver freshly cooked meal packages direct to the homes of clients and volunteers who were shielded or otherwise vulnerable due to mental or physical health issues.

"Delivering the meal parcels has enabled us to continue our contact with individuals who were already incredibly vulnerable. As a result of the grant, we’ve been able to check on the mental and physical welfare of people who have had their usual support systems and routines removed due to the current crisis.

"And it’s been a collective effort. The meals are all lovingly prepared at the centre by Bev Marsden, Anthony’s aunty, and delivered by Brian, Anthony’s step-dad." 

Donna continued: "The charity has benefitted a great deal from some incredible food donations from organisations including Fareshare Manchester, with the funding we received from Tesco enabling us to buy additional items so we can create personalised food packages, eg dairy free and gluten free items, flour and other essentials.

"The funding has meant that we could add little touches like the handmade Smiley cupcakes, added to each parcel to bring a bit of cheer to each recipient." 

David Ford, Local Communications Manager for the North, said: "We’re doing everything we can to provide food for all at this difficult time and hopefully the £500 Bags of Help grant will help those groups still committed to helping others during this uncertain time." 

Any local groups that would benefit from this funding are encouraged to apply. The process is managed through The Anthony Seddon Fund's partner charity Groundwork’s website, which can be accessed here www.tescobagsofhelp.org.uk

Through distribution partners, FareShare and Groundwork, local groups across the country are dedicated to ensuring that the most vulnerable within their communities are supplied with essentials even if they cannot leave home.