Community unites as scores join new virus support group

The ongoing coronavirus situation has scared many people in Kent and across the country.

However, it is also bringing communities together. A group of more than 500 people have come together, ready to help the most vulnerable in Ashford. John Howell, who created the Corona Virus Community Care (Ashford) group, says a heartbreaking experience made him want to help. He said: “Before the government announced the new limits, I saw an elderly gentleman out shopping with his shopping trolley, and he had clearly felt he had to stock up with cans, and all sorts of heavy things.

“He seemed to be really struggling with it, and I walked over to him to see if he was okay.

“When he looked at me, he was crying.

“I am DBS certified so I found him an appropriate taxi and sent him home but it really affected me and made me want to do something about it.”

Mr Howell, who is 45 and lives in Singleton, only invited his friends when he first created the group on Facebook, but then the idea took off online.

Within a week, the group had about 550 members, 25 of whom already had their DBS certification. However, he explained, the support hasn’t just stopped with the general public. He said: “We have our MP Damian Green helping, as well as the Mayor of Ashford Jenny Webb, and large number of groups and charities have been endlessly helpful.” A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check examines a record of a person’s criminal convictions and cautions, and used to be known as a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

For anyone hoping to get involved in the group, simply search for Corona Virus Community Care (Ashford Kent) on Facebook and answer the introduction questions.

John Howell started the group