How an army of volunteers is helping vulnerable Derbyshire residents during the coronavirus crisis

We’re involved with the Covid-19 Community Response Unit, which was set up by Derbyshire County Council in March.

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The unit brings together other Derbyshire councils and agencies, including the voluntary sector, to help support vulnerable residents throughout the crisis.

It’s really easy to register to volunteer with the unit – simply go to https://bit.ly/2LeyKM5 where you can also find important information on how you can ensure you keep yourself and others safe as you go about your duties.

Every day we receive an email with a list of jobs which need doing – these include food shopping and delivery, collecting and dropping off prescriptions, and telephoning people to help prevent loneliness.

Volunteers reply back to say what they can help with – and jobs are then allocated.

According to the county council, nearly 3,000 people have been supported by the unit since it was set up.

So far, I’ve had several friendly chats with a gentleman who wanted someone to talk to while he shields himself – he doesn’t mind me telling you.

I call him twice a week for a good natter for around half an hour.

“Thank you – it helps to fill the silence,” he says.

He’s full of praise for the unit and all those who are helping others amid the Covid-19 crisis.

I’ve also picked up medication for a number of people and delivered it to them.

One man, upon receiving his urgent medicine the other week, told me: “This service is brilliant – it’s really helping me.”

In these dark times, it makes you feel good to know you are supporting others and making a positive difference in the community – and if you can, I can’t recommend volunteering with the unit strongly enough.

Last week, I visited a warehouse in the Chesterfield area where council staff have so far helped to pack around 600 food parcels which are also being delivered as part of the unit.

The food parcels contain things like tea, coffee, cereal, fruit and ready meals.

James Adams, a senior project engineer at the county council’s highways department, has been drafted in to help coordinate the operation.

He said: “So many people have come together to make it all possible.

“It’s a privilege to be part of this important project and heartwarming to know we’re coming to the aid of many people during this very difficult time.”

Vicky Smyth, public health lead at the county council, added: “We’ve helped to feed hundreds of vulnerable people already – and we have the capability to help even more if required.”

Councillor Barry Lewis, leader of the county council, hailed the unit.

He said: “We know people are struggling as a result of the coronavirus either because they can’t go to the shops themselves and have no one around who can help, or because of the financial strain due to being laid off, furloughed or self-employed.

“That’s why we set up our Community Response Unit to get help to those who need it most and support them through this challenging time.

“The army of volunteers working across the county play a vital role in our Community Response Unit and I thank each and every one of them for their selfless work to help others.

“The resilience and generosity of Derbyshire people never ceases to amaze me – and with this show of Derbyshire spirit I know that together we will get through this.”

How you can get help from the Community Response Unit

The unit can help you if you have no friends or family you can call on and:

- you are self-isolating because you or a member of your household is at risk

- you are struggling to meet your basic needs because of financial, social or health restrictions

- you are pregnant

- you have underlying health conditions

- you are aged 70 or over

To register for help from the unit, visit https://bit.ly/2WdbWCS or call the county council on 01629 535091. Lines are open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays.

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