Anglesey’s community resilience has been growing from strength to strength following the coronavirus outbreak.

Since the lockdown, the Island has pulled together in order to help those within communities that are vulnerable and who are in need of help and support.

Anglesey’s Head of Housing Services and who is the Councils’ Senior Responsible Officer for Communities during this pandemic, Ned Michael has been amazed by the Island’s spirit during this challenging period, “It is very humbling seeing so many individuals, communities and businesses coming together to help during these difficult times.”

“So far we have seen two new pop-up food banks being established across the Island, community volunteer networks offering support and businesses offering services in order to safeguard Anglesey’s communities, and help and protect those most vulnerable within our society.”

“New schemes have also been created during this difficult time highlighting the social fabric which has been sewn within our communities. Schemes such as Neges, created in partnership with Menter Môn and with the support from Welsh Government and Dylan’s.”

“This has been a pioneering project with the aim of providing a food delivery service for those most vulnerable within our society, such as older people receiving domiciliary care.”

Four food banks are already operational on the Island in Holyhead, Amlwch, Llangefni and Menai Bridge. This service is there for those in crisis and can provide individuals and families with emergency food packs and essentials supplies, which includes breakfast cereals, tinned products, tea and coffee, soups, pasta, rice, toiletries and much more.

There are 37 community volunteer networks spread across the Island that offer to do individuals shopping, collect essential supplies and general support during lockdown. Also, over 50 businesses providing delivery services and have introduced new provisions under the current isolation guidelines, offering over the phone payments for customers and tailored their supplies to suit local demand.

Council Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi, who chairs the Community Support Steering Group emphasised, “The role of the food banks on the Island, as well as all the volunteers and those contributing food and gifts regularly during the pandemic, has been essential.

“Ensuring that all partners came together under one steering group at the beginning of this emergency was essential as regards the response to the intense needs of our communities. As partners, volunteers and communities, we are working hard and are continuing to ensure supplies and care for the most vulnerable individuals and families.”

“We have a huge debt of gratitude to everyone who has ensured that community support has been a success on Anglesey, during what has been one of the darkest times for our Island.”

Ned added, “We along with our many partners are here to help and the information is readily available online and we’ve also created a useful contact information flyer that has been distributed to local shops across the Island.”

“Anglesey’s communities really have pulled together during the past five weeks and this resilient network will undoubtedly help us through the challenging times ahead.”

For those requiring food bank support, please contact Roy at Anglesey Food Bank on info@anglesey.foodbank.org.uk or by phone – 07532 242 994. For referrals in the Twrcelyn Ward area, referrals will need to ring 07845 655 892

Information on the Community and Business Support Networks is available on Menter Môn’s website, www.mentermon.com/covid-19 . For volunteer support or to register as a volunteer, you can also contact Môn Community Link on, 01248 725745 or email, linc@medrwnmon.org. 

For the latest information on services during the Coronavirus outbreak please visit the Isle of Anglesey County Council’s website,  www.anglesey.gov.uk/coronavirus.

We will also be:

• Preparing regular bulletins for to local radio station MônFM 
• And will be publishing any important information on our social media pages – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Please remember to follow the latest guidance provided by Public Health Wales and both the UK and Welsh Governments. 

Stay home, stay safe, save lives.

ENDS: 13.05.2020