One of the UK’s oldest charities based in Harborough is pledging to help the town roar back from the coronavirus pandemic

One of the UK’s oldest charities is pledging to help Market Harborough roar back from the coronavirus pandemic.

The heartfelt vow of support has been made by the Market Harborough and the Bowdens Charity (MHBC).

Amazingly the charity can trace its roots back over four centuries all the way to 1570 – when Queen Elizabeth 1 sat on the throne of England.

But its powerful message could not be more topical and more cogent as chairman Adrian Trotter threw their weight behind Market Harborough and the Bowdens.

“We are here to support organisations and individuals as the community in Harborough works to bounce back from the impact of Covid-19,” said Adrian.

He spoke as the historic charity celebrates 450 years of supporting people in Market Harborough, Little Bowden and Great Bowden.

“When we realised that 2020 marked 450 years since the first mention of the charities which now make up MHBC, we never envisaged the situation that we find ourselves in now.

“Undoubtedly those last 450 years have seen many equally challenging times and we hope to live up to the heritage of our predecessors.

“We have continued to operate during the lockdown period.

“We have been working with a number of organisations which have a critical role to play in the community including VASL, Home-Start and the Bower House.

“We have been pleased to provide funding for the Jubilee Food Bank to help them make the adaptations needed for working with the threat of Covid-19,” said Adrian.

“As lockdown eases and people begin to return to work, we are aware that there will be many needs, both for individuals and for organisations.

“Mental Health is an area which we have previously prioritised and, if anything, will become even more important over the coming months.”

Adrian said they are keen to help people battling mental health issues as well as those set to lose their jobs.

“We are looking for opportunities to work with organisations in Harborough supporting individuals and groups with mental health issues.

“We are also aware that the downturn in the economy will undoubtedly affect many people in the coming months,” he said.

“While we can’t provide financial support, we can provide assistance which can help to make a real difference and we would encourage people to talk to us. “We can also support people who are re-training or looking to embark on long-term career changes.

“Many organisations will have to make adaptations to the way they operate in the future and we have funds available to help them to do this.

“The funding we have recently provided to the Jubilee Food Bank has been for fairly basic equipment, but we know it has made a real difference.”

MHBC was formed when local charities came together as one 26 years ago.

But the first mention of any of the founding charities dates back to 1570.

Today it has an overall objective of changing the lives of people in Market Harborough, Great Bowden and Little Bowden for the better.

As well as providing funding and working with local organisations, it owns and runs the Old Grammar School, operates allotments on two sites in Harborough and provides 14 homes for independent living in Little Bowden.

You can contact the charity by ringing 01858 419128 or emailing [email protected]

You can find more information on the charity’s website at www.mhbcharity.co.uk and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

You can also go to the website to subscribe to their newsletter.