Community Help During Self-Isolation

Community comes together in face of virus

In these extraordinary times our community response to Government advice to stay at home where possible and to practice social distancing has been to organise dozens of volunteers to offer to help those who are self isolating. Those with cold symptoms or who are vulnerable through an underlying condition or are over 70 can now access help with shopping, prescriptions, dog walking or just someone to talk to in all parts of our area.

Here are some of the schemes that have popped up over the last few days:

Belper Covid-19 Mutual Aid- https://www.facebook.com/groups/494819231214162/

This Facebook group already has nearly 900 members. They are seeking volunteers to take on their local area to deliver leaflets telling their neighbours how to contact them so that everyone knows who to turn to – not just those online. The group has maps of the small areas used for census statistics – about 120 houses – to use as the basis for leafleting so that effort is not duplicated. Advice for volunteers and procedures for ensuring volunteers are genuine are still being worked out. You can also volunteer or request help online by simply starting a post with either REQUEST or OFFER.

Nether Heage Community Group – https://www.facebook.com/NetherHeageNews/

The group are in the process of organising a support group for those who are self isolating. They have a small number of volunteers who are willing to run errands, pick up shopping or take the dog for a walk. You can access their service by phone: 07710 441936, by email: nhcommunitynews@gmail.com

Kilburn and Denby Neighbourhood Watch – https://www.facebook.com/976171412480076/posts/2691512957612571/

This group, which also covers Horsley Woodhouse, have partnered with food banks and Belper Jobcentre Plus to support vulnerable and self isolating people in those villages. They will be leafleting every house in the three villages over the next few days to offer help. Their 25 volunteers are working hard to plan for and enact ways of supporting the whole community. Contact the group through Facebook or by phone: 07756 762192.

Duffield Coronavirus Support (DuCS)

The Weston Centre, 1st Duffield Scouts, Duffield Explorers & Good Neighbours Project have initiated a support network aimed at providing assistance to the vulnerable people of our community. They are currently working to put systems in place and create a bank of volunteers. At this stage, they are looking at creating a list of Community Groups or Individuals that would like to volunteer. To volunteer please email: sarah.sdm@westoncentre.org.uk providing your contact information and how you may be able to contribute.

Holbrook Village Store – https://www.facebook.com/HolbrookVillage/

Tracey at the Village Store has a group of volunteers ready to help with home deliveries and any other assistance that may be needed. Regulars are being given cards to take to anyone who may be self isolating but more help is needed in getting the word out. To offer or request help please contact Tracey on 07794 522473, 01332 883050 or email: traceyb.1067@yahoo.co.uk

If you know of any other initiatives please do tell us about them – we can add to the information here and update you as schemes evolve. It is truly heartening to know that so many people locally have got a life and are willing to give up their free time to help neighbours and strangers to get through these dark days.