Pedreguer sets up volunteer 'personal shopper' system

Pedreguer is the latest Marina Alta town to launch a volunteer scheme for the young and fit to help the elderly, disabled and sick with their shopping and prescriptions.

Those who are unable to go out themselves – and especially the very elderly who are unlikely to have internet access to do their shopping online – largely rely on their families, but where they do not have relatives near them, or even at all, they are having to turn to the social services.

They can now ring 618 873 486, or send a WhatsApp message if they are able to, giving their address and explaining what they need.

Volunteers will be given a signed letter from the town hall to prove where they are going if they are stopped by police.

Shopping lists, money, prescriptions and SIP cards will be handed over at the door, meaning volunteers should wear gloves and masks and stand no closer than they need to in order to collect these.

They then drop the shopping and medication, papers and any change, at the door.

Some difficulties are likely, such as elderly and disabled people without nearby relatives not being able to withdraw cash, but the social services will have a system set up for the volunteers.

The Guardia Civil's national headquarters has created a series of recommendations for 'personal shoppers' to keep everyone safe.

These include only helping people you know very well or via an organised council-run scheme, so as not to get vulnerable residents into the habit of opening the door to, and giving money to, strangers.

Volunteers should not enter the house and stay as far apart from the occupants as is practical, always with their faces covered and wearing surgical or plastic gloves.

Do not accept 'tips' or any money for your 'favour', for your own protection – if the person you are helping tries to insist or 'feels guilty', tell them you will 'sort it all out with them later' after the lockdown is over.

At present, helping out neighbours or nearby friends and family members who are disabled, elderly or unwell, or otherwise confined – such as not being able to drive due to a health problem or not having a licence – is permitted, providing the above zero-contact precautions are taken, the errands are run by the volunteer alone, and they do not enter the premises – although you should make sure you can prove it with receipts, prescriptions or other evidence, and not stay out of your house for longer than absolutely necessary.

Those who have nobody on hand to help them and are unable to go out themselves should contact their town hall to find out about systems in place.