A KEIGHLEY charity has received £30,000 in lottery cash to enable it to continue supporting the district-wide Covid-19 response.

Action Point has been providing help since mid-March – through its volunteer centre project, telephone befriending to some of the most vulnerable members of the community and supporting the Keighley Hub by ensuring welfare checks are carried out with higher-risk people.

Manager Diane Dale said the lottery funding was “great news”.

“It enables us to mobilise our ‘Covid Action Team’ which will continue to help people who are lonely and isolated, through befriending and buddying,” she said. “We will match individuals to volunteers who will provide companionship and practical support, helping to build resilience and confidence and hopefully improve physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“We will also be able to maintain the good work of the Keighley Hub by providing a shopping service for vulnerable people who are isolating.”

She added: “Although restrictions are relaxing and people are beginning to regain a sense of normality, our work is not over – far from it.”

Action Point is also offering practical DIY assistance for older people and those with disabilities.

And it will provide a ‘signposting’ system to help people access support through local voluntary, community and statutory services. Anyone in need of support and unsure where to turn should call 01535 609506 or email covidhelp.actionpoint@gmail.com.

Action Point would also like to hear from anybody interested in helping out – such as shoppers, befrienders, welfare checkers and handy-people.