Help Finder, a non-profit organisation founded in December 2019 in Liverpool, is supporting the most vulnerable in society through its Sunday Service outreach initiative – and is now seeking both volunteers and donations to continue its vital work.
Originally called Food Bank Finder, a web app which allowed users to find their nearest food bank, the organisation has developed throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and now works alongside local and national organisations as a lifeline for members of the local community.
Help Finder’s Sunday Service, which was initially part of a Christmas Appeal to support families with much-needed gifts over the festive period, is now a regular fixture, taking place each Sunday from 5pm outside Lloyds Bank on Church Street in Liverpool.
Sunday Service is where those in need across the city can go to receive food, clothes and other essential items donated by members of the public, and through this initiative, Help Finder have supported hundreds of people across the city, each with their own unique story and circumstances.
Entirely run by volunteers, Sunday Service relies on the generosity of the local community to continue to provide for those in need across the city. Covid-19 has had a huge impact on Help Finder’s operations, with the number of active volunteers increasing from eight to 40 people between December 2020 and February 2021.
To date, Help Finder have given out £15,000 worth of clothing, supported over 500 individuals, taken over 50 people to accommodation, and served 2,500 cups of coffee – all through their Sunday Service initiative – but they are still in need of more donations and volunteers to carry on with their work.
Dominic Lipscombe, Director of Help Finder, said:
“Help Finder has evolved considerably since 2019, but unfortunately that evolution has been for the wrong reasons. We’ve dramatically increased our volunteer numbers in a matter of months, and we’ve had to adapt quickly to meet people’s needs throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Sunday Service is now in need of donations from the public – money, food, drinks, clothing and other essential items for the city’s most vulnerable – but also for people to volunteer their time to support the wider community.
“It’s been incredible to have received such a level of support from people so far, and I hope this continues throughout the year to enable us to carry on with our important work.”
Help Finder are now seeking volunteers to help support vulnerable people across the Liverpool City Region, as well as donations to allow them to continue their great work.
For those wishing to explore how they can support the organisation, please visit www.helpfinder.org.uk/get-involved or www.helpfinder.org.uk/donate
