Thank you to all our volunteers and community groups who have dedicated their time to help others in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Over the last month, lots of Warrington residents have got in touch to offer their time to help people in their local communities, alongside Warrington’s existing volunteer army and many community groups.
Volunteers are on hand to provide practical assistance to those who request it within local communities and as part of the council’s safe and well service. Communities have organised support online, in church halls, community centres and other community venues to make sure vulnerable and isolated people are supported to stay safe – all while maintaining social distancing measures.
The safe and well service has been set up to provide a further safety net for residents, ensuring vulnerable residents are ‘safe and well’ by offering telephone support, advice, reassurance and additional support. If people are unable to leave their home because they at increased risk, and have no family, friends, or appropriate support network, staff and volunteers ensure they receive essential items, such as food and prescriptions.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “Our most vulnerable residents will always be our priority, and I’m so heartened by people who have offered their help. We need to make sure that people can continue to help, and be helped, so we can reduce demand on adult social care teams and divert resources to our most critical services.”
“It’s really important that we continue to maximise the benefits of all the support on offer without duplicating efforts. The council has been working closely with Warrington Voluntary Action (WVA) and local voluntary groups to provide a coordinated community response, to ensure that we can all work together as effectively as possible.
Cllr Tony Higgins, cabinet member for leisure and community, said: “The response from residents to our volunteer appeal has been amazing, and I want to thank everyone who has come forward to help their community during this challenging time. I know that people in Warrington have always been generous when it comes to volunteering, and it is so heart-warming to see people stepping forward at this time to make sure the support is there for people who need it.
“Please remember to link in with WVA if you would like to help, so we can divert resources appropriately and ensure our volunteers are supported. We can then also signpost groups to existing provision and to possible funding sources, as well as helping groups network with other long-established organisations, such as Warrington Foodbank, who can share best practice.”
It’s important to remember that you should consider not volunteering in the community if you are in one of the government’s identified vulnerable groups – if you are over 70, have an underlying health condition, weakened immune system, or if you are pregnant. You also shouldn’t volunteer and come into contact with others in the community if you feel at all unwell, especially if you develop symptoms of coronavirus.
For more information about volunteering as part of the coordinated effort, visit warrington.gov.uk/help-and-support-vulnerable-people-coronavirus. If you come across people in need, please refer them to us by completing the online form, or call one of our dedicated helplines on 01925 442441 or 01925 442443.
If you can’t volunteer, but want to help, donations to Warrington Foodbank are welcomed, as the service is continuing to support people in need, and there is currently a shortage of food.
Please give whatever you can and drop off at the collection points/boxes at:
- Sainsbury’s stores – Rush Green in Lymm, The Cross in Lymm, Culcheth or Chapelford
- Tesco Extra, Winwick Road
- Morrison’s, Stockton Heath
- ASDA stores – Birchwood, Westbrook or Cockhedge shopping centres
- Any SPAR store across Warrington
- Fearnhead Cross Community and Youth Centre, Insall Road, WA2 0HD
For the latest information on coronavirus in Warrington, please visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus.
