Back in March we were proud to announce a donation from the Chelsea FC men’s squad which would allow us to directly support those in need during the current COVID-19 crisis.With many people facing uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Foundation – through the generosity of the players – used the donation to work with a number of charities to support the most vulnerable within our community.Among those we supported was Earls Court Youth Club, who used the money to support more than 600 vulnerable people. These included the elderly, low-income families and those in overcrowded accommodation.Earl’s Court Youth Club centre manager Abdi Aden said: ‘On behalf of Earls Court Youth Club and its committee, I would like to thank the Chelsea Foundation not only for the donation but for your continued support for the last five years.‘It has been especially important during this time and having a great partnership with a great organisation allowed us to do a wonderful piece of work for the community.‘Since April, the donation has supported roughly 620 individuals from the elderly on their own, to large families living in close quarters. This includes delivering weekly home cooked food packages to elderly people, most of whom are vulnerable adults or have no support network other than ECYC.‘It also allowed us to expand our support with unique ideas like cooking competitions and art therapy kits to keep our community engaged and healthy during this time.’

The work did not stop there however, with the Youth Club organising cooking competitions for children and young people to do at home. The challenge required participants to plan and prepare a meal for the whole family and share a video about what they enjoyed and how cooking has helped them as a family during the lockdown.Art therapy kits were also purchased and distributed to help keep the community busy with a positive activity. More than 70 kits were delivered with the aim to keep young and old engaged during this difficult time.On top of this deliveries of medicine and shopping, including personal protective equipment, toiletries and essential household goods have also been made each Monday during lockdown.Chelsea Foundation head of region Phil Hastings added: ‘Everyone at Chelsea FC Foundation is extremely proud to be supporting Earls Court Youth Club with this initiative.

‘The collaboration on this programme has been essential in supporting our local community, with the Foundation’s social inclusion team and Earls Court Youth Club staff going above and beyond to help people in need.’

For more information on Earls Court Youth Club visit http://www.earlscourtyouthclub.co.uk/