Sutton Council and volunteers have been busy providing meals on wheels to the boroughs most vulnerable.

The service is one of only three in-house Meals on Wheels services in London, operating seven days a week, to support residents during the pandemic.

The Meals on Wheels service helps to reduce delays in people being discharged from hospital; reduces the demand on care workers needing to visit people in their homes and supports people to live as independently as possible.

Since the start of the national crisis, the service has experienced a 40% increase in demand, delivering an additional 40 to 50 meals per day.

The service is traditionally provided through a mix of Council staff, working in the administration and kitchen functions and volunteers, provided by Sutton Older People’s Welfare Committee, undertaking the delivery roles.

During the lockdown, Sutton residents, that are not high risk, have come on board to help reach as many residents as possible.

Sutton Council is now calling on more volunteers, who are under 70 and do not have underlying health conditions who can join the service.

One of Sutton Older People’s Welfare Committee’s new volunteers, Steve Biddiscombe, explained why he volunteered to help:

“I owned my own business and was in the process of winding it down to take semi-retirement.

"I heard a request on Radio Jackie announcing that Sutton Lodge was looking for Meals on Wheels volunteers and I wanted to help and make a really good contribution to my community.

"It only takes 2-3 hours out of my day and has kept me busy during the lockdown.

"It's been nice meeting different people and I plan to continue to carry on as I have the time and enjoy it.”

To help, contact Sutton Old People’s Welfare Committee, on 020 8642 5496 or at suttonlodge@btconnect.com.