Image demonstrating Truck load of toilet paper donated to council’s shielding hub

Truck load of toilet paper donated to council’s shielding hub

A truck filled with thousands of toilet rolls has been generously donated by a Northumberland factory to help vulnerable and at risk residents in the county.

Prudhoe-based Essity has donated 60,000 loo rolls to Northumberland County Council to be distributed as part of the council’s support for the national effort to deliver emergency food parcels for those most at risk from the Coronavirus. 

The company, which is one of the largest employers in Northumberland, produces more than a third of toilet rolls sold in the country. 

Knowing the high demand for the product the company decided to go the extra mile and make the huge donation for use in the free essential food parcels being delivered direct to doorsteps for “shielded” residents

Following the Government’s announcement last week over shielding the most severely at risk of illness a community shielding hub was set up by the council at Blyth Sports Centre

The council has been working closely with food industry partners, local suppliers and the voluntary and community sector. The hub is being supported by a dedicated team from the council, volunteers from our fantastic community groups and staff at Active Northumberland.

Cllr Cath Homer, the council’s cabinet member for the community and voluntary sector said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Essity for this incredibly generous donation.

“These food parcels are essential in helping support the most vulnerable and at risk at this time and to have the support of one of the main employers in our county is phenomenal.

“The response from businesses, communities and individuals who have offered their help, whether through donations such as this or by volunteering, is outstanding. By continuing to work together and supporting each other we can make sure that our communities remain safe and protected.”

Essity’s UK operations director for consumer tissue, Tony Richards, said: “Prudhoe Mill has been making tissue products on this site for 50 years, and as the town’s biggest employer – and second largest in Northumberland – we really value our links with the community.

“When the Coronavirus pandemic first kicked off, it seemed you couldn’t open a newspaper or turn on a television without seeing selfish shoppers panic-buying loo rolls.

“There was never a shortage, thanks to the huge stocks in our supply chain.  But it quickly became apparent that vulnerable members of society were unable to get hold of this household essential as shops simply couldn’t fill their shelves fast enough.

“So, we were delighted when Northumberland County Council rose to the challenge and provided a way of getting our product into the hands of people that urgently needed it.  

“As a critical supplier of paper products to the NHS, I’m also immensely proud of the way those of my colleagues unable to work from home are coming into the mill, rising to the challenge of our rigorous Coronavirus controls and getting on with the job.”

The council is keen to support residents during this crisis, and it’s really important people know where to go for help and advice, to support themselves and their families.

For anyone struggling with support needs, and are unable to get help from family, friends or a local support group due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the council has set up a Community Response Hub as part of Northumberland Communities Together - please email northumberlandcommunitiestogether@northumberland.gov.uk, or call 01670 620015 between 9am to 6pm, seven days a week.

However, If you are worried about a child or adult's immediate welfare please use OneCall 01670 536400 - open 24/7, 365 days a year.
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