Covid has impacted communities nationwide, none more so than in Newham, which has been one of the hardest-hit areas. High poverty levels, inequality, and economic instability have made things hard for Newham’s most vulnerable, but outstanding individuals have stepped up.

‘HOPE 4 Newham’, a registered charity, founded by mother/daughter duo, Anne Croney and Sheryl Vincent as a small community group in October 2016, collects and delivers food and essentials to those in need.

Pre-pandemic, the charity fed and met the needs of the homeless community in Stratford Mall several nights a week.

“When we started, we were serving around 25-30 homeless men and women,” they said.” That number had risen to 150 when the pandemic hit.

HOPE 4 Newham has continued its work, because Anne and Sheryl believe no one should go hungry.

They said: “Due to the number of people across the Borough needing the support of foodbanks, our food suppliers are being stretched far beyond what we expected and the amount of food we are getting has been significantly reduced.

In March 2020 we began serving 13 people and this has now risen to over 150. We receive food donations from ‘The Felix Project’, as well as other food banks across the Borough.”

HOPE 4 Newham works closely with Newham Council and other bodies to ensure that they serve those in genuine need, with Anne and Sheryl supported by their team of volunteers, delivery drivers, and charity trustees.

Several who have received support from HOPE 4 Newham say that receiving help made people ‘feel human again’, and emotional parents describe the joy on children’s faces when the food packages arrive.

For information on how to help and support HOPE 4 Newham go to their Facebook page.

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