Looking after our own

We pride ourselves on being at the heart of the community. Given recent developments, we thought it was only appropriate to help those who need it most. Here is a guide to the food banks dotted across the city that need your help now, more than ever.

URGENTLY NEEDED FOOD ITEMS

SAVOURY SNACKS UHT MILK COFFEE CUSTARD/RICE PUDDING FRUIT JUICE & TINNED FRUIT BISCUITS/SNACK BARS TINNED TOMATOES BEANS DRIED PASTA CEREAL TINNED MEAT

Ashbrooke - Bethany City Church Bede Tower, Burdon Road SR2 7DZ

High Barnes - Streetcare St. Gabriel's Church, 1 St. Gabriel's Avenue, High Barnes, Sunderland SR4 7TF

Millfield - City Life Church City Life Church 170 Hylton Road, Millfield, Sunderland SR4 6EX

Roker - New Springs City Church 130 Fulwell Road, Roker SR6 9QR

Southwick - Salvation Army Austin House, Shakespeare Street SR5 2JX

Eden Vale - ELIM Sunderland New Durham Road, Sunderland SR2 7PD

Pennywell - St Thomas' Church St Thomas' Church, Petersfield Road, Pennywell, Sunderland SR4 9BD

Shiney Row - St Johns St John’s Evangelical Church, Church Street, Shiney Row DH4 7DD

Farringdon Youth & Community Centre Allendale Rd, Sunderland SR3 3EL

PLEASE HEAD TO SUNDERLAND.FOODBANK.ORG.UK FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OPENING TIMES, THE PROCESS OF DONATING AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THE MOST VULNERABLE IN THE COMMUNITY.

Morrisons Seaburn Whitburn Rd, Sunderland SR6 8AA

Sainsbury’s Fulwell 110 Station Rd, Roker, Sunderland SR6 9AE

Asda Grangetown Industrial Estate, Leechmere Rd, Sunderland SR2 9TT

Asda Seaham Byron Place, South Terrace, Seaham SR7 7HN

Sunderland Minster 309 High St W, Sunderland SR1 3ET

Sunderland Carers Centre Thompson Park, Thompson Rd, Sunderland SR5 1SF

Tesco Metro 80 The Bridges, Sunderland SR1 3LE

Pop Recs 29 Grange Terrace, Sunderland SR2 7AQ

Fans Museum North Bridge St, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland SR5 1AP

Redhouse Medical Centre 127 Renfrew Rd, Sunderland SR5 5PS

Sunderland Foodbank Foodstore Foodbank Office & Foodstore, Fusebox, 90 Coronation Street, Sunderland SR1 2HE

In response to the current Coronavirus crisis, Gentoo is delivering its services in new and innovative different ways…

Sunderland-based housing association, Gentoo, has announced some temporary changes to its services, following the latest guidance from the government in relation to the Coronavirus outbreak. The welfare of its tenants, residents and employees continues to be Gentoo’s main priority during these difficult times, which is why the company is doing everything it can to continue delivering vital services, while helping to minimise the threat of spreading of the virus. Here are a few of the new and temporary services people can expect to see - and benefit from - over the next few weeks…

Repairs and maintenance Gentoo will continue to respond to emergency repairs. All routine repairs, work-related to maintenance and nonessential homes visits will be currently suspended.

Housing management All Gentoo offices are currently closed, but tenants can still contact their Neighbourhood Coordinator directly on their mobile number or online. Tenants can continue to pay their rent via the Gentoo website, over the telephone by dialling 0191 525 5000, or at an Allpay Paypoint. Those who have suffered, or will suffer, a loss of income as a result of Coronavirus should contact their Neighbourhood Coordinator, who will be able to discuss struggles around keeping up with rent payments. Tenants and residents with district heating in Washington can top their meters up at three locations in Washington, details of which can be found on Gentoo’s website. The housing allocation service through HomeHunt has been suspended, meaning properties available to rent cannot be bid on at the moment.

Tenant support services Tenants who are currently receiving assistance from Support Coordinators will receive wellbeing phone calls twice daily. A programme of intensive cleaning of high contact areas in residential buildings with communal areas is in place. Restrictions have been put in place within the extra care and supported housing schemes to protect residents and colleagues. Gentoo’s support staff will be available at each scheme every morning to support residents.

Gentoo Homes Gentoo Homes’ sales offices, show homes and construction sites are closed. New Homes Advisors and the Customer Care Team are continuing to work remotely and further information on how to contact them can be found on Gentoo Homes' website.

Make the most of social media People are online now more than ever. Make the most of it by sharing positive news stories, supporting your local businesses, offering encouragement to others and support to those who need it.

Be a good neighbour With many now social distancing, it's important to check in with neighbours, family and friends regularly. Telephone them often to check if they are ok and aren't in need of anything.

Keep busy Over the coming weeks, you may find yourself with more time on your hands than usual. Why not use this time to take part in Gentoo's digital consultation on topics such as repairs and maintenance services, and care and support services. To find out more and join in, email communityteam@gentoogroup.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND THE LATEST UPDATES, VISIT GENTOOGROUP.COM/ CORONAVIRUS

Watch this space as Gentoo confirms Gen-factor will be launching for its 11th year later this year. Gentoo is once again launching Genfactor - the much-loved talent competition that celebrates the brightest young talents across the city! 11-18-year-olds who live in the area, or attend a school or college in Sunderland, are invited to take to the stage, strut their stuff and show off their talents as part of an incredible evening of live entertainment. Genfactor is back!

AUDITION DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON, BUT TO BE AMONGST THE FIRST TO KNOW, MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION OVER AT FACEBOOK.COM/ GENTOOGENFACTOR