A RAFT of local organisations are stepping up to help the vulnerable and elderly during the coronavirus lockdown.

Communities in Bradford East have joined forces, offering to pick up shopping or deliver food and medicine to the most vulnerable.

These include the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple and the Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford, the Neighbourhood Resource Centre and BEAP Community Partnership, The Laisterdyke Hub Bradford, as well as the Karmand Centre and People Can Make A Difference.

Volunteers have also had an "overwhelming response" from local businesses and wholesalers.

Humayun Islam, chief executive of BEAP CP told the Telegraph & Argus: "We want to provide support and help to vulnerable people during these unprecedented times. I think it’s vital that we all work together, bringing different faiths, organisations together to support all communities."

Anyone who can help is asked to call 07440035742.

In addition the Sandale Trust, which works in the Buttershaw area, has extended the support it offers, delivering hot food and medicine to elderly people in isolation and co-ordinating the provision of meals to vulnerable children.

Local MP Judith Cummins recently joined staff and volunteers, who have set up a Spare a Quid campaign asking for small donations to keep their food bank stocked over the coming weeks.

Andy Walsh, chief executive of Sandale Trust said: “Local community groups and residents have come together to support our communities in the last few weeks. It’s inspiring. But with families not working and vulnerable people having to self-isolate, demand has gone through the roof."

To support the Trust visit sandaletrust.org.

Bradford charity Save the Mothers Trust, which runs a food bank with Bradford Central Lions Club, is also helping out during the outbreak.

It has launched a project to help the elderly, those classed as high risk and those that are self-isolating with symptoms of coronavirus.

Mohammad Shahid said: "In light of the current epidemic we felt the urgent need to go one step further to assist the elderly, the most vulnerable and those going into self-isolation'."

He added: "The volunteers will undertake a food shop for those who require the service and deliver it to their doorstep. The service also includes a daily telephone call to make sure those living on their own are supported throughout the isolation period."

To help call 01274 270043.