VOLUNTEERS on the Island have been providing essential services to those who have been discharged from hospital to make space for coronavirus patients.

The team at Pop-Up Soup Kitchen, working in partnership with Age UK Isle of Wight, have been working tirelessly to support those who head home from St Mary's, providing meals and other essentials.

The Age UK IOW Living Well Team at St Mary's Hospital help put a support system in place to enable patients to return home safely and shielded.

Using contactless delivery, the Pop-Up Soup Kitchen team have been helping those across the Island without home support — giving them something delicious.

Trevor Blaney, from the Pop-Up Soup Kitchen said: "We would like to thank all at Age UK Isle of Wight for making it so easy to be able to bring this service to their clients.

"Each delivery consists of three meals and extras. This week’s menu consists of: roast sausages and onion, rosemary mash, and smokey beans; warming roast tomato soup and slightly spiced pumpkin or pea and ham."

Cheese and crackers from the Island as well as bread, butter and orange juice are all provided.

Jo Dare, chief executive of Age UK, said: “We are so pleased that this is working well.

"The benefits are many and the menu sounds delicious!

"In these difficult times it is one less thing for those returning home after a stay in hospital to worry about and we know that good, nutritious food can only help their continued recovery.”