Life

Practical help for the vulnerable in midst of Covid-19

Food ready for distribution at the International Meeting Point centre on Lisburn Road in south Belfast
Food ready for distribution at the International Meeting Point centre on Lisburn Road in south Belfast Food ready for distribution at the International Meeting Point centre on Lisburn Road in south Belfast

CHURCHES of all denominations across Ireland have been seeking to support those struggling during the coronavirus pandemic with food and other essential items.

Those seeking help include members of the immigrant community and asylum seekers, for whom Covid-19 is making an already difficult situation even more challenging.

One of the schemes offering assistance is the Presbyterian Church's International Meeting Point (IMP) project.

It runs centres in south Belfast, on Lisburn Road, and in the north of the city, at Carlisle Circus.

The IMP project has helped hundreds of migrants and asylum seekers since it began in 2010.

In 'normal' times, the IMP also runs English classes, leads Bible studies, brings people shopping and helps the unemployed find jobs.

As with so many other areas of life, Covid restrictions have curtailed much of the work.

Nonetheless, they have been helping dozens of families and individuals each week who have been in desperate need for basic necessities.

The need has heightened in the last couple of months, said Keith Preston, who leads IMP.

"There has been an incredible increase in the number of people getting in contact with us in urgent need of food and basic toiletries," he said.

"Most of these calls for help have come from people who have arrived in Belfast recently from various countries in the Middle East.

"Items required include rice, pasta, cooking oil, tinned fruit, tea, coffee, sugar, washing up liquid and toiletries."

Keith Preston leads the International Meeting Point project for the Presbyterian Church
Keith Preston leads the International Meeting Point project for the Presbyterian Church Keith Preston leads the International Meeting Point project for the Presbyterian Church

Mr Preston said he had been overwhelmed by the response of supporters in churches and beyond.

"We are more than amply supplied with clothing for both men and women now, but we are still in need of toiletries and basic food items," he explained.

A list of the specific items required for distribution from the IMP Centre at 133 Lisburn Road is available by emailing or by telephoning the Church's mission department on 028 9032 2284.

"To minimise journeys during the current restrictions, we would ask that only people living locally donate at this time, and that they should consider dropping off their donations on their way home from doing their own essential shopping," said Mr Preston.

Although Covid-19 restrictions had limited much of IMP's work, staff and volunteers are keeping in contact with many families and individuals by phone and online.

"At this time of great need it is a privilege to be able to show the love of Jesus in very practical ways to those who are struggling to adjust to life, and the weather, in Northern Ireland," said Mr Preston.

"We are very grateful to all who have already donated items. Everyone who donates plays a vital part in this important ministry.

"As always, we also continue to appreciate prayer as we seek to witness for Jesus to all who come to the centre for help."