Volunteers delivering food and medication to isolated residents in Amble area

The team is delivering shopping and medication to the elderly and vulnerable between Embleton in the north and Widdrington Station in the south.

Rachel Cook, who is coordinating the project, said: “I used to be a care coordinator for Age UK and know the area really well so decided to set the group up.

“When this (coronavirus) broke, I immediately thought this is scary because I know how many people are going to be stuck self-isolating and unable to get out.”

Although she also works part-time at a local hospital, Rachel agreed to coordinate support measures.

“It’s become massive,” said Rachel. “We got a lot of contacts through the pharmacies and surgeries from people ringing them up to order their medication and also perhaps running out of food.”

They have also been working with local churches and Amble Food Bank.

“We are all DBS checked and are there to assist when and where we can, even if it’s just to get them a loaf of bread,” said Rachel.

“We haven’t had too many calls so far but we know that’s going to change so a lot of our work so far has been in getting ourselves organised.”

She was disturbed to read reports of so many people out and about last weekend and hopes the ‘stay at home’ message has now got through

“It did seem that people weren’t listening to government advice but that seems to have changed now,” she said.

Anyone in need of support can contact them via Facebook, by searching for Isolation Support in Amble and Surrounding Area, or call 07964625284.

Another Facebook group, Isolation Support Northumberland, has also been coordinating efforts over a wider area.