Volunteers thanked for 'phenomenal outpouring of community spirit across Northumberland' during pandemic

During the coronavirus pandemic, communities have come together more than ever to ensure support is there for the elderly, vulnerable and others who are self-isolating.

Voluntary and community organisations, town and parish councils, food banks, charities and local residents have all played their part.

Coun Peter Jackson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, we’ve seen a phenomenal outpouring of community spirit across Northumberland. We know hundreds of residents have been helping out their neighbours, either independently or through local community groups or charities.

“This pandemic has brought devastation to so many families and caused all sorts of challenges across the county. However, it has also brought out the best in our community spirit with so many selfless acts which show how much our residents care for others. My sincere thanks go to everyone who has played a part in helping others.”

At the start of the pandemic, to support the county’s network of volunteers, the county council launched the Northumberland Communities Together hub (NCT), to make sure residents were kept safe and well throughout the crisis, and provide coordination to support the efforts of local volunteers.

The team of volunteers working with NCT have been supporting the county’s 18,200 shielded residents, reaching out to check that they have access to food, medication and a little bit of company. County council staff have also been supporting this work including delivering emergency bridge food parcels to 3,324 shielded residents.

In addition volunteers across the county have delivered more than 2,000 food parcels, carried out over 2,000 shopping trips for people who are self-isolating and have picked up more than 1,500 prescriptions across the county.

Hundreds of community play packs and sports packs have also been delivered to vulnerable children and 10,000 telephone calls have been made and answered responding to lots of different needs.

The ‘thank you’ coincides with National Volunteer Week (June 1-7).

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