EALING Council is asking residents and businesses to help people facing challenges this winter by donating to local charities that support people in need.

Through Ealing Together - which is a coalition of local groups, charities and Ealing Council, set up to help support local people through the pandemic – people can donate to local charities by clicking HERE.

Every donation will help Ealing Together's local partners to continue their work in supporting vulnerable residents and families that are struggling with food poverty, mental health and wellbeing, domestic violence, loneliness and isolation.

It will help these organisations to ensure that vital support reaches vulnerable residents and families.

Donating is very easy, you just need to choose what cause you wish to support and click on the logo of the charity.

Individuals and organisations that have donated or want to support the cause on social media are encouraged to use the hashtags: #EalingTogether, #CovidCommunityCampaign and #EndFoodPoverty.

Also this week the Council joined forces with the Dame Louise Casey food poverty community COVID campaign.

As part of the campaign, a charity in each of the participating boroughs will receive a share of the funds raised, with the money in Ealing going to the Southall Community Alliance, who came together with the Young Ealing Foundation to create the Southall Food Project.

Both organisations have been involved in providing food aid throughout the pandemic to people in Southall.

They are also connected with mutual aid groups, faith and other voluntary organisations and local businesses to ensure that no family goes hungry.

Leader of the Council, Julian Bell said: "Many families and individuals across the borough are struggling financially because of COVID.

"We are asking local people to join the COVID Community Campaign, dig deep and give what they can to help others this winter.

"Giving a little can make a big difference to those who need it most."

Councillor Mik Sabiers, cabinet member for housing, planning and transformation added: "We also want to say a big thank you to all of Ealing's volunteers and voluntary organisations.

"We have seen the amazing community spirit of ordinary people looking out for each other since the first lockdown.

"This pandemic has brought out the best in the people of the borough of Ealing."

Anyone can use the Ealing Together service to request support for themselves or another vulnerable person, to register or to donate to a local organisation.