Project Together aims to bring Milnrow and Newhey communities together

A new initiative has been launched at Butterworth Hall to bring the community together in Milnrow and Newhey.

Launched on Sunday (17 January) by local resident Tom Bishop and Councillor Irene Davidson, Project Together aims to ensure that nobody goes without essentials this lockdown.

The Sunday Pantry at Butterworth Hall will be open on Sundays between 11.30am and 2pm to donors and those in need with provision for expansion.

The project asks for new and unused donations of food and drink (no fresh items), items for babies such as nappies and baby food, cleaning and laundry supplies and toiletries, as well as quilts and blankets.

Food and drink requested includes:

• tinned goods such as potatoes, tomatoes, beans, vegetables and soups,
• packets of rice, pasta and cereal,
• instant noodles, rice, pasta, and packet soups
• long life milk
• cordial and bottled water

Unwanted toys or books can also be donated.

All items will be quarantined for at least 72 hours before being offered to the wider community.

Tom said: “We received plenty in the initial kick off to this pilot scheme, whilst keeping a safe distance. We are very pleased and grateful with the initial response from the community.

“Reality seems to reflect that the middle class are highest risk of requiring support – people who have just lost jobs and find the support system totally unfit for their circumstances.

“If you need supplies, come down on Sunday. If you’re too embarrassed to attend, please contact either Irene or myself. We will gladly make special arrangements because nobody should struggle.”

The project began as a talking point in November, before being launched this month.

Tom added: “Subsequently with the severe lock down announcements, greater hardship is likely to increase. We are here to support the backbone of an amazing community from those who have donated from our community, hence ‘Project Together’.”

Monetary donations are welcomed in a marked envelope and will also be quarantined. Receipts will be provided and cash donations will be used towards specific needs such as energy pre-payment cards.

“Every penny will be recorded and we will be 100% transparent as to the cause supported without naming anybody who receives. We are welcoming cash on the basis that fundraiser sites usually have fees associated. We don’t want to spare a single penny unnecessarily,” Tom explained.

Volunteers to the pilot scheme are welcomed, as are other agencies and schemes.

Tom added: “Irene is speaking with the Co-op in the village who she found extremely helpful in previous experiences, but we would love to welcome all supermarkets in our local area to be actively involved.

“Interest is growing. We have had a few people come forward to express interest in becoming involved; also other agencies and schemes are keen to discuss, review and work together potentially.”

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Project Together

The Sunday Pantry at Butterworth Hall will be open on Sundays between 11.30am and 2pm to donors and those in need with provision for expansion.

If you attend Butterworth Hall to collect, help or donate, please wear a face mask and adhere to the distancing rules.

If you are intending to collect, and have special dietary requirements for you or someone you intend to provide to, please request to complete a special diet requirement form.

For more information, please contact Councillor Irene Davidson:

• irene.davidson@rochdale.gov.uk