”Byker Mutual Aid group came together at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of local residents supporting other residents. Initially our work was focussed on fetching shopping and prescriptions for people shielding or self-isolating, and it’s evolved to meet the needs of the community. We are now supporting over 80 families a week with food parcels, and have also organised a plant swap, book distributions and a Christmas toy giveaway. We operate on the mutual aid principle of ‘take what you need, give what you can’. It’s been beautiful to see people coming together and friendships forming across the community.”