Mutual aid groups set up in Northumberland - how to help, or get help

Earlier this week, Alnwick Town Council announced that it is working to minimise the difficulties people are facing during the Covid-19 pandemic, by setting up a Mutual Aid group and recruiting volunteers to support the most vulnerable people and those who are in isolation, unable to get out to shop or pick up prescriptions and medicines.

Related: Get updates on our coronavirus live blog

Explaining the concept of a Mutual Aid group on its Facebook page, it stated: ‘Covid-19 Mutual Aid Local Groups are small groups of people setting up independently in communities to support vulnerable people in their local area through the outbreak.

‘Groups are not being set up in a uniform way and each community is advised to do what is best for them. These resources are here to give you some advice and pass on ways of working.

‘You can volunteer in a group whether you are fit and able to run errands or self-isolating. A lot of coordination is being done through Facebook group so if you’re self isolating but feeling well enough to support, you can help with coordination of your local group while other people are out doing the physical activities.’

The Facebook page, at https://tinyurl.com/u74q8b8, also features advice, guidance and information about coronavirus.

The efforts are backed and supported by Alnwick District Foodbank and Christians Together in Alnwick.

Those willing and able to be volunteers are being asked to contact [email protected] with their email and/or mobile plus the area of Alnwick in which they live.

Further north, Berwick Town Council is keen to support similar efforts, with the Mayor Anne Forbes already leading on the creation of a Three Fields Community Action Group for that area in the north of the town – https://tinyurl.com/rnf6dzo

Meanwhile, the ward member for Berwick East, Coun Georgina Hill, has called for those prepared to volunteer for the forthcoming community effort in Tweedmouth and Spittal to message her, setting out what type of things they are prepared/able to do – [email protected] or 07753 749755.

If any other community groups or efforts would like to spread the news of what they are doing, contact [email protected]