26 Mar 2020

Kent Fire and Rescue Service staff are delivering hot meals to those most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Working with Age UK, operational firefighters, and support staff have volunteered their time to help out, and have been taking food to individuals living in Sittingbourne, Faversham, Hythe, and Lyminge.

Review with operational needs

They are wearing appropriate protective equipment and following strict hygiene protocols to ensure they’re protecting the high-risk customers they are delivering to, and themselves.

The fire service has initially committed to assisting Age UK for two weeks and will keep this under review in line with operational needs.

vital service

Around 200 Kent Fire and Rescue Service personnel have put themselves forward as volunteers to help with aid"

KFRS Group Manager Karen Pointer said, “We’re pleased to be able to help Age UK in delivering this vital service to those who need it most in the community."

Around 200 Kent Fire and Rescue Service personnel, both operational and support staff, have put themselves forward as volunteers to help with aid working during this pandemic, and we hope to be able to support a range of charities and organizations to provide vital services for as long as this goes on for."

hygiene and infection control

We of course completely on top of hygiene and infection control, and it’s something we are taking seriously with our volunteers, and indeed all our front-line staff who continue to serve the Kent community.

Hayley Ross, Age UK Service Manager for Hythe and Lyminge said, “We are extremely grateful for the support provided by Kent Fire and Rescue. They have so far assisted in the delivery of over 500 hot meals to our local community during this crisis and are offering ongoing support to continue helping those most vulnerable in our local communities."