Mutual Aid groups set up to support those in need in Sunderland - here's what to do if you need help

The Sunderland arm of Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK is appealing for residents to help reach those who are unable to leave their homes.

The national volunteer-run organisation was set up in response to the coronavirus crisis across the UK – with individual branches registered on a central website.

This week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a nationwide ‘lockdown’ for three weeks in a bid to tackle the pandemic.

Citizens are being ordered to stay at home except for shopping for necessities such as food and medicine, medical needs, to exercise once a day and travelling to work only if “absolutely necessary.”

As the country grinds to a halt, mutual aid groups are hoping to play their part to help the most vulnerable people in communities.

Newbottle resident, Andrew Gibson, set up the Sunderland Coronavirus (Covid-19) Support and Mutual Aid Group earlier this month.

The mutual aid group, which operates from a Facebook page, is one of several springing up across the city.

Mr Gibson hopes more volunteers can get involved to keep people safe, coordinate volunteers and share information.

“I started the page and group because I saw lots of posts about things that were happening and it was almost scaremongering,” he said.

“I wanted to have a group and page where there is none of that by sharing information from relevant parties, Government or the NHS – not all the rumours about what was happening and what could happen.

“I’m hoping we can merge the groups together as there are a lot being set up and streamlining them so people are getting the same messages and information.

“I think community spirit and togetherness is going to be vital in pulling us all through this.”

Sunderland Coronavirus (Covid-19) Support and Mutual Aid Group aims to support people who are self-isolating and those struggling to access food and supplies.

A recent example of cross-group working included an appeal for extra hand creams/moisturisers for NHS staff.

Mr Gibson added: “There’s been an absolutely brilliant response to that and people have been dropping items off at agreed locations.

“It just shows that community spirit and that people are willing to help.”

For more information or to get involved, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/SunderlandCovid19

Other groups in the city include ‘Sunderland Covid Mutual Aid’which can be found here: www.facebook.com/groups/955327161550921

For a list mutual aid groups in your area, visit: covidmutualaid.org/local-groups

For more information on Government guidance on coronavirus, visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus