Cobblers community trust steps up during coronavirus lockdown to help vulnerable people in Northampton

While it may be no football for Northampton Town FC at the moment, it has been a very busy coronavirus lockdown for the club's charitable arm to support vulnerable people all over the town.

Getting seniors onto Zoom, Cobblers manager Keith Curle chatting to fans and making workout videos have all been part of Northampton Town Community Trust's work over the past few weeks.

Business development officer Anna Letts said it has been made even more busy by some of her colleagues being furloughed but everyone has pulled together admirably.

"This period has been tough for many people but the positives for us has been that we have had programmes coming out of this that we never thought would come about and gained a lot of new partners," she said.

"You can often feel so helpless at this time as many have to stay indoors but as we are exempt as key workers so we can help which has been fantastic, and any time we've asked people for help, we are getting it."

One of the first things the community trust did when the coronavirus lockdown started was the 'keep calm and Cobbler on' campaign to support those in self-isolation.

A free mental health first aid hotline was set up for teachers at its partner schools to support them and provide coping strategies.

The befriending service for older and vulnerable people in the community has become one of the most popular initiatives during the coronavirus lockdown.

While the over-50s club has been sticking together by having regular meetings and quizzes on Zoom to keep their spirits up.

Other activities have included delivering donations to Northampton General Hospital, buying Kindles for vulnerable people and arranging collections for food banks.

Cobblers chairman Kelvin Thomas said, "We are exceptionally proud of the work we do day in, day out in the local community as we are of our community trust and as a club at the very heart of our community, it is only right we do all we can to support as many people as possible at this difficult time.​

"No praise can be too high for the club and community trust's staff who are offering these fantastic services to help those in need of our support.

"If anyone feels we can be of support or they need the club's assistance, please do email [email protected]​ as we are working to bring additional measures of support in over the coming weeks.

"Football may have temporarily stopped on the pitch but we have ramped up our work in other areas and we will be doing all we can to help and support those in Northampton and the surrounding area who may be feeling vulnerable and in need of assistance."