AN ORGANISATION has gone “above and beyond” to provide services to vulnerable people during the coronavirus outbreak, despite facing its own financial issues.

Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service (BPRCVS) responded to the crisis early on, working with charities across the three areas to ensure services are reaching the most vulnerable.

In partnership with borough councils, the charity purchased food and essential items and has been offering them to people in need for a suggested donation of £15.

Susan Biggs, chair of BPRCVS, said she was “hugely proud” of her team who have “risen to the challenge and exceeded all expectations” in response to the outbreak.

Since March,more than 1,000 people have asked for help with shopping, prescription collections, befriending and mental health support.

The charity receives around 100 referrals every day from the Burnley Together Hub, Pendle Community Support Hub and Rossendale Connected Hub.

While many organisations were struggling before the crisis due to funding cuts, BPRCVS says many are suffering from a shortage of donations during the lockdown.

However, the charity says adds that is has been able to support many of the groups throughout the crisis and continues to run its food share programme at Gannow Community Centre in Burnley.

Chief operating officer at Burnley Council, Lukman Patel, said: “You probably don’t need me to say this, but the team and army of volunteers have been fantastic helping the borough through this pandemic.

“The ‘can do’ attitude is a credit to both the organisation and an asset to this borough.

“Undoubtedly, we shall experience challenges in the coming weeks, but we shall get through them together.”

BPRCVS said it is losing money and having to utilise reserves but confirmed it “will keep going for as long as there is a need” in the region.