TOWN-WIDE MISSION NEEDS YOU TO JOIN ARMY OF SUPPORT FOR NEEDY

A TOWN-WIDE mission to look after Atherstone's vulnerable population during the coronavirus crisis is almost half-way to achieving its first goal.

Leaders of the newly-created community support team – set up by the town council and Atherstone Partnership – says the response and commitment to joining a volunteer army of helpers is "just amazing".

The first priority of the team is to a communications sweep of the whole town through door-to-door leafleting to ensure no one among the town's needy who has been isolated by the knock-on effects of Covid-19 is missed.

An appeal went out through Nub News last week to cover 4,500 homes.

The organisers report this morning there are enough volunteers for 2,000 households to receive a leaflet drop through their letterbox.

Atherstone Partnership head Gary Chamberlain said: "As you can imagine, we are overjoyed with the response and commitment shown by our fellow Atherstonians.

"This is just amazing.

"However, we still need to cover the remaining 2500 or so homes."

The Atherstone Community Support Team will be masterminding a service to those most in need – in the form of shopping, collecting prescriptions, posting letters, arranging dog walking or just offering the basic comfort of a voice at the end of a telephone.

Volunteers will all be issued with a special pack to enable them to help support those in need of assistance.

Mr Chamberlain made a fresh plea this morning: "Can anyone who is able, fit and well offer some support to the needy and vulnerable?

"They may just be in the next street to you, and just five minutes out of your time could mean so much to others.

"Please help if you can.

"If you can – you will be issued with a volunteer pack and all necessary advice and guidance backed up by an ever-growing like-minded team of volunteers.

"Thank you again to all who have already offered your support."

To join the scheme volunteers should contact the town council on 07928 974576 or 07541 946062 or email [email protected] or call with their own name address and contact number. Checks maybe requested for safeguarding purposes.

Civic-led food parcels through the borough and county authorities are now being delivered on a weekly basis in addition to the 100 meals going out from an operation being orchestrated by Atherstone Coffee Shop owner Angie Spencer from St Nicholas Church hall, Baddesley Ensor.