Self-isolating Sunderland woman thanks vital volunteers for help during lockdown

Carol Walker, 64, has said she would have struggled to cope during the pandemic without their support, as she has been shielding due to falling into the high-risk category.

Speaking during National Volunteers' Week, which runs until Sunday, the Castletown resident said: “The last few weeks have been really difficult for me – I don’t have any family and I have recently lost my mam.

“I don’t think I could have coped without the support of volunteers, who have helped me while I’m shielding."

More than 1,000 people came forward when Sunderland City Council called for volunteers to help vulnerable residents in the area.

It followed a Government call for more people to come forward, help support the NHS and aid those who have been advised to stay indoors and shield themselves from COVID-19.

Carol has been helped by volunteer Margaret Frankland, who has been walking Carol’s dog, Lexie, while she stays home.

Margaret, one of the people who responded to the council’s appeal, said: "When I pick Lexie up and drop her back off, I will have a chat with Carol at her door, so its nice to have that social interaction that helps us to feel less isolated."

Other support for Carol has come from Sunderland North Community Business Centre (SNCBC), which has also been assisting key workers with childcare, making up and delivering activity packs, taking crisis food orders and making befriending calls, from its base at Winchester House in Town End Farm.

Sam Osmond is a Castle Raising Aspirations Project Officer at SNCBC and has formed part of the volunteer team.

She said: "We have been helping Carol as she doesn’t have many local contacts or support. I have been helping her with her shopping, as well as paying her visits to check that she is well.

"It's so sad and unfortunate that we are in this situation, but I am glad we are able to offer support to the people who need it most.”

Carol added: “Sam and Margaret have been angels and I can’t thank them enough.”