A NEW community hub is being set up to help struggling families with "dignity and respect".

The hub, run by the Rotary Club of Loughton, Buckhurst Hill and Chigwell, will be launched next week when free basic groceries, home essentials, clothes, toys and more will be available to anyone who needs them without any assessment or referral.

It will be based at Waltham Abbey Town Hall and will open for the first time on Monday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Thereafter, people can visit the hub twice a week every Friday and Monday where they will be treated humanely and with dignity and respect.

The Rotary Club is asking for all types of donations of food (not fresh produce) and essential household items so they can be made available to those who need them. These can be left at the Town Hall or collection can be arranged by calling 01992 842642.

Established in partnership with Voluntary Action Epping Forest, Waltham Abbey Town Council, The Hornbeam Centre and Lions Club of Seven Kings, there is a fundraising page for the hub at www.give.net/3food4u

The Rotary Club of Loughton, Buckhurst Hill and Chigwell is meeting on Zoom during the Covid-19 lockdown.

These meetings take place at 6pm on a Thursday and everyone is welcome to attend.

To take part, contact Pesh on 020 85002527, 07973166940 or pesh@londonresidential.co.uk if you would like to attend.

Further information is available by visiting www.loughtonrotary.org.uk or the club’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rotarylbc