THE borough council and Warrington Voluntary Action (WVA) are working together to support and help look after vulnerable residents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Residents who are currently self-isolating, and those who are able to volunteer their time to offer support, are being offered guidance on how to access and give help.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health, explained the support on offer: “Lots of people are coming forward wanting to help their community during this challenging time, and it’s really important that we can maximise the benefits of all the support on offer without duplicating efforts. We also need to make sure that people can help, and be helped, so we can reduce demand on adult social care teams and divert resources to our most critical services.
“Therefore, the council and WVA are working with communities and other voluntary groups to provide a coordinated community response, to ensure that we can all work together as effectively as possible. Our most vulnerable residents will always be our priority, and I’m so heartened by residents who have been in touch offering their help.
“The guidance we are issuing will also provide support to those who are currently self-isolating. It’s important that people who need a helping hand know who they can turn to in their community.”
Want to volunteer?
Groups and volunteers can get in touch to ensure there is a coordinated response across the borough. It is important that any volunteers or groups follow the national guidance so that they can volunteer safely and reduce the risk of spreading the virus. More information is available at warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus, where there is also guidance available for those who are currently self-isolating and need support from the local community.
Community and voluntary groups
Email [email protected] or call 01925 246880, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Let us know if you have volunteers, if you need volunteers, and to share what you are already doing. Please also let us know if you are willing for us to signpost additional local volunteers to you.
Volunteers
If you want to volunteer as part of the coordinated effort, please also email [email protected] or call 01925 246880, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, to be directed to your nearest local group or area of need.
If you don’t have time to volunteer, but want to help
Donations to local foodbanks are welcomed. There is currently a shortage of food and there are families and vulnerable people who rely on donations. Please give whatever you can and drop off at the collection points / boxes at:
· Sainsbury’s stores – Rush Green in Lymm, The Cross in Lymm, Culcheth or Chapelford
· Tesco Extra, Winwick Road
· Morrison’s, Stockton Heath
· ASDA stores – Birchwood, Westbrook or Cockhedge shopping centres
· Any SPAR store across Warrington
· Fearnhead Cross Community and Youth Centre, Insall Road, WA2 0HD
Currently self-isolating and need support?
If you are currently self-isolating but need support please call 01925 443322
Access the coronavirus community toolkit
Community volunteers can also access a ‘coronavirus community toolkit’ by visiting warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus-community-support.
