FIVE 'hubs' across the District have helped support local communities during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Based in the district’s five Parliamentary constituencies, the multi-agency hubs were set up by Bradford Council Area Co-ordinators Offices to co-ordinate the work of various public sector, charity and private bodies as well as volunteers during the lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of the virus.

Various staff have been helping people struggling to cope because of their age, disability, or emotional and mental health difficulties. They have either been stepping in directly or linking in to other necessary services.

Video message says 'thank you' to Council staff

Many people are also struggling financially and need practical help simply to get enough to eat.

As the time under lockdown increases, staff from all Council services are having to provide reassurance and comfort to anxious people which is becoming more important, alongside practical helps such as shopping.

Because of the restrictions of movement, passenger transport service drivers have been redeployed to delivering thousands of food parcels across the district, making sure those families and individuals in need are not let down.

Cleansing and park workers are trying to get on top of their duties despite all disruption they have had to face and sports centre staff are working with wardens.

Councillor Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “Our staff have been asked to go the extra mile and have done so with enthusiasm, compassion and care.

“We are very proud of them. Everyone is doing a great job and we cannot have asked for a better response during this crisis.

“In every part of the district Council workers, volunteers and staff other services and organisations have risen to the challenge, dealing with issues that they don’t normally have to deal with.

“Much of the work is going on behind the scenes and many of our hidden heroes deserve our overwhelming support because without them, we couldn’t achieve what we do.”