A group of volunteers from Yate and Chipping Sodbury have been working around the clock to offer services and support to those most vulnerable in the community

Yate and Sodbury Neighbourhood Scheme Covid-19 was founded by registered manager, Emma Doney following the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent isolation.

The scheme has been given a boost of support and funding from local councils. Local Churches, St Nix, St Mary's and Chipping Sodbury Baptist church are also helping the group. Volunteers can collect leaflets from each church to distribute to their streets with their contact details for anyone self isolating or vulnerable to call for their services.

The group that currently has over 3500 members, aims to support the vulnerable by completing tasks for them such as shopping or collecting prescriptions. They also make phone calls to check in their person.

A plea from Matt Hancock, Health Minister, for volunteers to help the NHS during the outbreak of coronavirus has meant a vast number of the group have also offered their services to become NHS Volunteer responders alongside over half a million members of the public.

Councillor James Ball, Mayor of Chipping Sodbury, has been instrumental in assisting with the work of the Yate and Sodbury Covid-19 Help and Support Group and has now also signed up as an NHS Volunteer Responder, he explained how the local group and are aiding the community:

“The response from local residents has been very uplifting with so many offering their services to help vulnerable people and those needing to self-isolate in our community.

“Volunteers have been designated streets to look after and as contacts to make sure nobody goes through any hardship at this difficult time.

“We have also had fantastic offers of help from specialists in mental health to deal with the issues many will no doubt suffer during long periods of isolation.

“Yate Town Council, Sodbury Town Council and Dodington Parish Council have all released emergency funds to help finance the group and we can't thank them enough for their assistance not only with this but also with clerical and administrative support.

"I have also made several phone calls and emails to elderly residents who are frightened and feel alone at this unprecedented time.

“The Covid-19 Support Group have been absolutely amazing and I am so proud of each and every person who has offered to help.

“We have many weeks of lockdown to go and I am pleased that the message to stop panic buying has finally been addressed. Local warehouses are fully stocked so if we all shop responsibly, there will be plenty to go round.

“We now need residents to adhere to the government orders to stay at home unless you are shopping, helping someone who is vulnerable or for your daily exercise. Too many people have been treating this as a holiday and it must stop to prevent the spread of this awful disease.

“Our message to you all is to stay at home and stay safe.

“I have also joined the NHS volunteers. I know they have been inundated with offers of help from nearly 500,000 citizens which is incredible”

You can find the link to Yate and Sodbury COvid-19 Help and Support Group here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/650869675671695/

Or if you would like to sign up to join the NHS Volunteer Responders follow the link here:

https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHSvolunteerresponders