‘People have said we have been a lifeline’
Ahub of helpers has supported more than 2,500 of Scarborough and Filey’s most vulnerable households through the pandemic.
Scarborough and Filey Covid Community Response Hub has seen an average of 170 volunteers delivering over 500 hours a week to assist those in need.
Co-ordinated by Age UK Scarborough and District, its support has ranged from delivering shopping and prescriptions to a jigsaw swapping service for people who are self-isolating or shielding.
Chief Executive Officer Julie Macey-Hewitt said: “We are extremely proud to have been part of the community response across the Scarborough and Filey area.
“The number of volunteers that have given up their time has been outstanding. We have helped people with a wide range of services, adapting these as requests have been made.
“Everyone has been incredibly grateful and thankful, for the help that we have provided and said that we have been somewhat of a lifeline during the pandemic.”
Even Julie’s daughter, 10-year-old Gracie-Mae Bell, has been helping out while she has been off school, helping to make up care packages and send volunteer packs out.
The hub has so far had just short of 5,000 calls for help, information and advice.
It has delivered 1,100 prescriptions and over 2,300 shopping requests, and been able to match 120 people up for telephone befriending.
Volunteers have organised the delivery of over 1,500 isolation packs, food parcels and cooked meals, and made over 4,000 welfare and check-in phone calls.
It is planning to continue its services for people who are self-isolating and shielding until the end of September. It can offer prescription collection, a shopping service, information and advice about local places delivering food, a book delivery and jigsaw swap service, telephone befriending, online activities including chair-based exercise and crafts, and one-toone support for any veterans over the age of 50.
There is also counselling, food vouchers and parcels, and isolation packs available.
If you would like to volunteer, or know anybody who needs help, contact Age UK Scarborough and District on 01723 379058.