Community charity Rushcliffe Community and Voluntary Service (RCVS) is leading a major operation to help some of the area’s most vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic – and beyond.
Almost 300 people have already registered for support and the number is rising daily.
RCVS is encouraging others to come forward and is also appealing for more volunteers to deliver the service.
The support includes practical help, such as shopping and collecting prescriptions. There are also regular welfare checks to monitor those isolated by social distancing.
The feedback from those being supported has been overwhelmingly positive, for example:
- “What you’re doing is fantastic, knowing that you are here for me is very reassuring.”
- “Your help and encouragement to me was priceless and I can’t say thank you enough.”
- “It’s so lovely to have a friendly phone call and to know that I’m not alone.”
Many requests for help are coming directly from those who need it, but there have also been referrals from community nurses, social workers and housing associations. The Coronavirus Community Support Hub set up by Nottinghamshire County Council is expected to generate many more in the coming weeks.
All such requests are assigned to volunteers who then respond. RCVS is drawing on its volunteering experience and networks to coordinate the project, working with a wide range of other organisations.
The service started in Cotgrave but has already grown to cover all of Rushcliffe, even though all RCVS staff are working from home. RCVS is working closely with Rushcliffe Borough Council and also liaising with council officers in Gedling and Broxtowe about extending the support into those areas.
Carolyn Perry, RCVS Chief Executive, said: “Many local communities are doing fantastic things during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re available to support their work and would urge people to seek help if they need it.
“We’re very proud to be playing a leading role. Regular calls to check the welfare of people at risk of social isolation are especially important. We’re also aware that the need will still be there, even once the current situation eases.
“We’re really excited about building on this, with a view to creating a permanent telephone befriending service for the whole of South Nottinghamshire.”
RCVS has already recruited 146 new volunteers to provide COVID-19 support, but is still seeking more volunteering applications from local people who are not under any social isolating restrictions.
To be eligible for help, clients must be self-isolating, without local support and unable to access priority shopping slots for vulnerable people or their carers.
Anyone needing support can contact RCVS on 0115 9699060 or email support@rushcliffecvs.org.uk.
Those interested in volunteering are asked to email volunteer@rushcliffecvs.org.uk.
