Mutual aid group springs from ‘an innate need to do something’
IT WAS an innate need “to do something” that led to Beverley actor Annie Kirkman setting up a group offering help to those in need just over a week ago.
Within hours, she had connected with Jackie Heffer, and together they founded Beverley and East Riding Covid-19 Mutual Aid, one of 70 such groups now live in Yorkshire.
Across the country, there are more than 1,000, alongside countless others bringing together volunteers ready and willing to do shopping, walk dogs, or even chat over the phone.
“I’d lost all my work, and I just felt like I had to do something in response to what was going on,” Miss Kirkman said.
Within days, they were co-ordinating 250 volunteers and the Facebook group had 2,000 members. They have already helped 45 people, and are gearing up for more, leafleting houses in Beverley
to reach those in need of support, particularly the elderly and those now facing months in isolation.
What has struck her is how the crisis is bringing out true community spirit.
“People are being so generous in coming together and offering help,” she said. “We’ve got people who have set up WhatsApp groups for people living on their streets so they can keep in touch with their neighbours.
“Before all this I’d never spoken to my neighbours. Now, we’re organising a street party for when it’s all over.
“People are so grateful for help. They’re apologising, saying they wished they didn’t have to ask, but that’s what we’re here for.”