Calls for thousands-strong Mackem army to fight coronavirus in Sunderland

A rallying cry has gone out to recruit an army of volunteers to help Sunderland’s most vulnerable people.
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Community leaders have reached out to more than 120,000 households across the city, urging people to consider if they can help support others in the community.

It comes after the appeal by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock urging people to come forward and help the most vulnerable.

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People in high-risk categories have been advised to stay inside for 12 weeks to help shield them from COVID-19.

Picture c/o PixabayPicture c/o Pixabay
Picture c/o Pixabay

Leaflets for possible volunteers began dropping through letter boxes between April 4 and 6, delivered by the Royal Mail.

Sunderland City Council's executive director of Neighbourhood Services, Fiona Brown said: "The Health Secretary launched the volunteers scheme and there may be more people across our city who are wondering how or if they can help others who are homebound and isolating now for many more weeks.

"We already have a strong voluntary network and community spirit in Sunderland and there may be more who want to know how they can help with this work."

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Volunteers could be asked to support the NHS by delivering medicines from pharmacies, driving patients to appointments, bringing them home from hospital, or making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home.

Fiona added: "The volunteers are for routine tasks, for shopping, the delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielded to protect their own health. Maybe you could take a dog for a walk?

"These acts of community kindness could in coming weeks make a real difference to many, many people and help in keeping some vulnerable people safe, well and out of hospital.

"We already have offers of support where organisations have offered us the use of their buildings or vehicles should we need them in coming weeks and months.

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"There may be others in the community who haven't contacted us yet and where they can register their support and availability.

"Let us know if you can help."

If you can help, email [email protected] or call 0800 234 6084.

For the most up-to-date advice visit: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

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