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Sophy Green, Chief Executive at Instant Neighbour said: “Covid-19 has put an increased demand on our services. We have had to adapt our way of working to best support those in need, whilst ensuring our staff stay safe. The donation from INEOS will ensure the continuing smooth running of our services and will mean those who need our support will get it. Whilst it has been a very uncertain time we are really proud how our organisation and the community have pulled together to help those in need.”

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INEOS has given £10,000 in support of Aberdeen-based charity Instant Neighbour, through its international Community fund. This grant will help support the vital work the charity does in alleviating poverty so that people across the region can experience a better quality of life. The charity provides direct support through the provision of food parcels as well as practical assistance by offering paid employment and training opportunities.

Instant Neighbour was established 35 years ago to address the needs of people living in poverty, working very closely alongside other third sector agencies in the City to provide a comprehensive support network for the most vulnerable people in the community. Each year, the charity delivers over 5,000 emergency food parcels and other related services to those who need them most. A significant number of people have to rely on support on a regular basis. Many are mostly long term unemployed, homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. The current pandemic is only compounding their issues and increasing the demand on charities such as Instant Neighbour.

The support from INEOS will directly help people who have been told to self-isolate, or shield, many of whom have never needed to use a foodbank before. It will also help people suffering. It will assist the charity to widen their provision of food parcels to families and carers who are struggling to cover the cost of extra food.

In addition, the INEOS support will help to:

• Allow Instant Neighbour to stay open and continue operating their helpline.
• Continue to update social media with information, as well as creating a leaflet to go into food parcels which will provide vital information on what help is available and how to keep safe.
• Ensure the Community Connector team can meet directly with clients attending the Food Bank (whilst practising social distancing) to give advice, listen to problems and offer support.
• Keep the continuation of Emergency Food Parcels. These parcels also provide toiletries and basic hygiene items, baby food, nappies and pet food, if needed.

Sophy Green, Chief Executive at Instant Neighbour said: “Covid-19 has put an increased demand on our services. We have had to adapt our way of working to best support those in need, whilst ensuring our staff stay safe. The donation from INEOS will ensure the smooth running of our services and will mean those who need our support will get it. Whilst it has been a very uncertain time we are really proud how our organisation and the local community have pulled together to help those in need.”

The £1m INEOS Community Fund was established by INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe in March 2020 in tandem with the company’s COVID-19 “Hands On” campaign, which set up new production lines to provide millions of bottles of free hand sanitiser per month to hospitals and frontline healthcare. To be eligible, Charities and Community Groups had to be nominated by INEOS employees from one of INEOS’ 183 sites which ensured support for ongoing vital work in their local communities at this particularly difficult time.

Nominating INEOS employee Matthew Newbiggin, said, “Instant Neighbour is a hugely important organisation for the community, helping over 15,000 people every year. The work they do is vital in helping the vulnerable in our community, and those who Covid-19 has impacted the most. I am extremely pleased that INEOS has been able to help them continue the amazing work they do.”