REACTING TO THE CALL

An army of volunteers have responded to more than 12,000 requests to help those isolated in their homes.

In March, calls were made for people to help run three new community hubs across Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh.

A total of 632 people answered that call and since then 7,202 welfare checks have been made and 1,005 loads of shopping have been delivered to the towns’ most vulnerable. In addition, the volunteers have cooked 3,555 hot meals, picked up 724 prescriptions and walked 27 dogs.

Since the launch of the emergency hotlines at the three hubs – where people can call through with requests – it has received 656 calls and colleagues have responded to 942 emails. Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) staff are assisting. The services are available to anyone struggling, of any age and has provided some funding.

A fish and chip shop chain has donated 2,000 meals to key workers.

Staff at Ossie’s Fish Bar have been trying to do their bit after they were forced to close.

The family-run business has been in Kent for 20 years and now has seven shops across the county.

The Faversham branch was the first – with Whitstable being the most recent addition.

A post shared on Facebook said: “Thank you to everyone working on the frontline in the NHS and the care sector to look after the sick, the elderly and the vulnerable. “I don’t think any of us can imagine the challenges you are facing on a daily, even hourly, basis. You are simply incredible.”

The organisations and groups include the Estuary View Medical Centre, Canterbury police, the city council and the Pilgrims Hospice. It has also donated to care homes, and supermarkets.