Volunteers are being called upon once again to help deliver support and assistance as people in Monmouthshire get ready for the upcoming ‘firebreak’ lockdown. This year the community support offered by volunteers has been needed more than ever. There have been 60 volunteer-led COVID-19 groups in Monmouthshire supporting people who, in many cases, have no other alternatives and are in need of help.
Following the first national lockdown, volunteers sat at the centre of one of the largest community responses seen in the county in decades, with around 700 people giving up their time to deliver groceries, pick up prescriptions and be a friendly face to those living alone. Throughout that period Monmouthshire’s Community and Partnership Development Team have been able to offer support and work with the volunteer groups when needed, to enable them provide a crucial lifeline to vulnerable or isolated members of the community.
The Welsh Government’s announcement on Monday 19th October 2020 signifies the start of a firebreak to cover the period 23rd October until 9th November. The renewed need for people to access shopping and prescription services amongst other support, will again be at the forefront of residents’ minds. For many elderly people, the vulnerable and those who may have previously shielded, this will be a challenging period when it comes to their usual daily errands.
For those individuals or families who have no other means of support, Monmouthshire County Council can provide a link between those in need and the local COVID-19 volunteer groups.
Cabinet Member for Social Justice and Community Development, Councillor Sara Jones said: ‘The volunteer groups that have supported our communities during the COVID pandemic this year have been the lifeline to many of our isolated or vulnerable members of the community. It could be time to reignite some of this support and again make ourselves available to those most in need. I would like to thank you for all your time, effort and commitment to our communities and know just how valued and appreciated this has been’.
Residents who wish to become involved as a volunteer with a local action group or anyone needing the support the Community and Partnership Development Team should contact partnerships@monmouthshire.gov.uk or call 01633 644696