STAYING strong in a time of crisis, community projects continue to support vulnerable people amid the coronavirus outbreak – but food donations are needed.

Dorchester Community Kitchen wants to let residents know they can contact the team for help, and is also calling for donations so they can continue to provide food parcels to families, older people and anyone who is self-isolating and struggling.

Based at the Storehouse Church on Cambridge Road, the kitchen is in need of food items including dairy, eggs, fresh vegetables, ready-meals and frozen food. Financial donations are also being accepted so the team can purchase essentials.

Those who need a box are being asked to sign up for delivery to reduce contact at the church. The team is working with various agencies to identify people who need help.

Co-founder Sinead Coakley McCarney said: "We are going to keep going unless it becomes unsafe. We are still collecting donations and we are moving into delivery only. We will try to get a box to anyone who needs one.

"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has go us this far, and we know in the coming weeks and months we will be busy."

The sign up form can be found on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DorchesterCommunityKitchen or email dorchestercommunitykitchen@gmail.com.

Meanwhile in Weymouth, it is action stations at Littlemoor Community Centre on Canberra Crescent, where a food supply and delivery hub has been set up by Dorset councillor Louie O'Leary.

Helped by volunteers, it is operating every day between 5pm and 7pm. The project is being supported by local hospitality businesses that have donated stock following the Government's call for pubs and restaurants to close.

However, the project is still in need of donations – in particular, eggs, flour, sugar, bread, pasta, rice, juice and milk – but anything will be gratefully received.

Cllr O'Leary said he and the team have been kept "very busy".

"We've been really grateful for all the volunteers who have come forward and the donations we've received. We had a large donation from the Harvester (restaurant) recently, and Littlesea Holiday Park has also said it will be donating stock from its shop."

To get in touch call 07809 905412 or email cllrlouie.oleary@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

For the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak, read the Echo's live blog here.