Shopping support group formed on the Northumberland coast

The 30-strong group of volunteers, who are covering the Embleton, Seahouses, Bamburgh and Belford areas, is being led by Northumberland locality coordinator, Ruth Armstrong.

She explained: “We are here for those people under the Government's 12 week shielding programme, those who are self or family isolating and anyone who feels vulnerable with no neighbours or relatives to help with their shopping requirements.”

Assistant co-ordinator NeilForsyth, from North Sunderland, added: "Working closely with the Seahouses Hub we help with a weekly shop, collect prescriptions too and help organise food deliveries from local businesses, even including hot meals.

“We also have a telephone chat team in place should anyone feel particularly lonely.

“If the ‘lockdown’ continues into May we are hoping to build up a supply of books and DVDs which will be held at the Hub for distribution by the team.”

Volunteer support groups have sprung up across the county in recent weeks, including the Alnwick, Amble, Rothbury and Wooler areas.

Ruth said: “As with the adjacent group covering Embleton to Widdrington Station, we haven't, as yet, had a great number of calls, but we are ready and waiting should this change.”

If you require help for any of the above contact Ruth Armstrong [email protected] Neil Forsyth on 01665 478678

Facebook pages for localised information – Seahouses Hub: @seahouseshubCoronavirus; Seahouses Beadnell Bamburgh: @coronasbb

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

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you