Volunteers give hope for elderly and vulnerable

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues, communities across West Berkshire have united together to support their families, friends and neighbours in need.

Offers of help have been pouring in to West Berkshire Council on social media with concerns for the vulnerable and elderly, who are at a greater risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

The Community Support Hub will coordinate local support across West Berkshire to meet the needs of those who are self-isolating because they are vulnerable or have been advised to stay at home.  One of the aims of the hub is to ensure that those who are in isolation due to the coronavirus get essential supplies and medication.

Towns and Parish Councils will use all this information to create a community needs map so that the Community Support Hub can match what individuals and communities need with the help voluntary and community groups can provide.

In a statement today, a spokesperson from West Berkshire Council said: “At its simplest level, the Community Support Hub is about helping people continue to be good neighbours so that community and voluntary groups can try to make sure that those who are vulnerable get what they need. This would include mental health support and practical help such as offering to pick up shopping or medication, being at the end of the phone for a chat for those who are feeling lonely, walking the dog, and signposting to various groups for advice and guidance.”

Do you need help? 
Do you know someone who needs help? 
Would you like to volunteer to help others? 

Phone the hub on 01635 503579 or email [email protected] or visit the website info.westberks.gov.uk/coronavirus-communityhub.