Meals on wheels 'lifeline' service sees increased demand during coronavirus lockdown

It has been three weeks since the government announced the country would go into lockdown, meaning, for many, complete self isolation.

This leaves the elderly and many other 'vulnerable' groups unable to leave their homes, until restrictions are lifted.

For those who are house-bound, going about day-to-day tasks like food shopping suddenly becomes a challenge.

The majority of online supermarkets have sold out of all home delivery slots for the coming week.

However, services that produce and deliver hot meals for the elderly have seen an increase in demand.

Forest Mobile Meals Ltd, in Cinderford, offer a meals on wheels service in the Forest of Dean, the majority of their customers are self-isolating.

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• Covid-19 advice: Everything you need to know in one place

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The organisation is in the process of applying for charity status again after the trustees of the previously named Age Concern Forest of Dean announced it could no longer afford to run the service due to a lack of funding.

During an interview withITV News in February, the charity was 'rescued'by a businessman who offered to pay £2,000 a month to keep it going.

Now, after being back up and running for two months and serving the elderly in the area, they are having to recruit more volunteer drivers than ever before.

Previously, a worker told ITV News that the meals on wheels service they deliver is a 'lifeline for many elderly residents in the Forest of Dean'.

And now, more than ever, their vital service still acts as a lifeline for hundreds in the community.