Hundreds of Horsham residents volunteer to help fight pandemic

Hundreds of people in Horsham have come forward to help fight the coronavirus outbreak.
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Droves of residents and community groups have helped set up community volunteer hubs, according to Horsham District Council leader councillor Ray Dawe.

He said: “I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the literally hundreds of our residents and community groups who have come forward to give their time to both help set up Hubs in their local areas, and to volunteer to help vulnerable people at this time. My thanks go out too to the Council’s Community teams who have worked tirelessly to pull this vital initiative together logistically and in such a small amount of time.

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“This has been an enormously positive response which has taken a lot of hard work to achieve and an amazing level of progress has been made so far.

The location of the hubsThe location of the hubs
The location of the hubs

“It is a heartrending time for many who are isolated either for their own safety, or the safety of others, and it is therefore greatly reassuring that reaching out and helping as many people as possible appears to be so well under way.

“I would still urge you to come forward if you feel you can spare your time to get involved.”

The council, in partnership with existing and new organisations and volunteer groups, set up the hubs to help the district’s most vulnerable people.

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As part of this initiative, the Council’s Community team has been calling all of its 2,500 Community Link and Health and Wellbeing customers to establish their needs and reassure them.

A spokeswoman added: “The council is extremely grateful to the many community groups, parish and town councils and social media groups who have worked so hard to help them establish community volunteer hubs throughout the district.

“There are now some 27 Community Volunteer Hubs in place.

“These Hubs are being organised and manned by volunteers, giving practical help such as going for shopping and medicines, and providing emotional support, with a friendly phone call for those who are isolated at home, amongst many other things.”

The council said it is keen to hear from groups that may be supporting residents in Colgate, Faygate and Slinfold.

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The spokeswoman added: “Please don’t worry if you are signed up as a volunteer but have not yet been asked to help out.

“This is a rapidly changing situation, and we are currently gathering your information to help us organise and offer support as efficiently as possible over the coming months.”

To get involved visit digital.horsham.gov.uk/outreach/coronavirusvolunteer.ofml

If you have already set up a volunteer group please email [email protected]