AS the coronavirus pandemic continues, a community is still going above and beyond to help those in need to ensure no-one is left behind.

Around five months ago, the Deeside Crisis Centre was born after the whole community rallied behind an appeal for help.

What started out as helping two struggling families, has resulted in over 2,400 families being helped, with more every day.

Connah’s Quay councillor Bernie Attridge sprung to action when he saw families struggling with basic needs like putting food on the table.

But now, the Crisis Centre continues to go from strength to strength with the full support from the community.

He told the Leader: “It’s been quite moving just to see how our community can come together in such times, it’s just been a fantastic response and is continuing to be.

“Yes it has slowed down but a lot of people on furlough are starting to go back to work and aren’t needing much help from us but it’s all very humbling to see the smiles and the tears from the people we have been able to help.

“It hasn’t just been the care packages, we have also given hundreds of furniture items, white goods everything that has been needed, we have given when it is needed.

“We have also dealt with a lot of people fleeing violent relationships which I believe a lot of is down to the pandemic, people not in work and stuck at home but we have been non-judgemental and we will help anyone if they need it.”

The main hub is currently in the process of moving to the Connah’s Quay Cricket Club, with hubs in Mancot and Bagillt.

A school uniform swap was also set up to help struggling families.

Bernie added: “It’s all about being able to help anyone, and it’s not just the people you would expect to be helping.

“We have helped people who have worked all of their lives and have never claimed a penny on benefits, who wouldn’t know where to go looking for benefits who have come to us in their hour of need.

“We are all one pay cheque from losing our homes, you never know what is around the corner but seeing people from across Deeside coming together is phenomenal.

“Even big companies like the 2 Sisters factory and Asda and Morrisons, they have all been offering what they can and still do.”

Bernie said that whilst people still need help through the pandemic, there will be volunteers at the Crisis Centre to help and support.

He went on to say: “We will be carrying on the uniform exchange because that’s been very valuable and will be carrying on the care packages, we will carry on doing what we can.

“I would like to say a massive heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers, my friends and family who have helped make this happen.

“I see myself as the captain on the ship but without the volunteers, this certainly wouldn’t happen and to be recognised from the local Co-Op FuneralCare for a local heroes certificate was wonderful.

“It’s a testament to their hard work.”

As well as helping families, the team have given out 110 certificates for children who have gone above and beyond and 65 goody boxes as well as 55 fruit boxes.