A Kirklees partnership set up to support local communities during the pandemic made the finals at this year’s Local Government Chronicle Awards.

The Local Integrated Partnerships, which combines three council services, Community Plus, Kirklees Libraries, and the Kirklees Wellness Service, is a finalist for the Large Team of the Year award.

As the country went into lockdown, the team worked in partnership with charities, volunteers and community groups to respond to the needs of local communities.

They made sure residents were supported seven days a week whether that was delivering food, medication supplies, a daily phone call or vaccination transport.

Some residents were not taking up the vaccine because they were unable to access their vaccination centre. Many were scared to use public transport because of the risk of infection and others simply could not use it due to mobility issues.

The team partnered with the Denby Dale Centre, a local charity, to provide transport. Accessible minibuses and a community-based volunteer car service were deployed.

During the first two months, the service supported 170 residents to access their vaccination. One resident, Luba, said she would not have been able to get there herself to get her vaccine and thanked everyone who had helped make it possible.

Clr Mus Khan

Clr Mus Khan, Cabinet member for health and social care, said: “I’m proud that the team’s and our partners’ dedication to our communities have been recognised at these national awards.

“They provided much-needed support in the uncharted territory of a pandemic, and demonstrated the interconnectedness between us all and what is possible when working together towards a shared vision in a crisis.”

Paul Jones MBE, chief officer at the Denby Dale Centre, said: “The Denby Dale Centre is extremely proud to work in collaboration with the Kirklees Council Local Integrated Partnership.

“Our charity has been recognised for our part in that story, however, our work has continued post-Covid, working alongside other community organisations within the Local Integrated Partnership and together being able to respond quickly to the new emerging needs.”