Sunderland foster carer shows support to community with Facebook group during coronavirus crisis

Set up by Andrea Oliver, 45, Coronavirus - Sunderland, Tyne and Wear aims to provide a central point of support for those who need help during the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated lockdown restrictions.

Andrea, a full-time foster carer who currently has three children under her charge, has been lending an ear to people who need someone to talk to during these troubling times, as well as running errands for the vulnerable and leafleting to reach those who do not have the internet but may need help.

To date, she has prepared dinners for people who may be struggling, collected shopping for those who cannot leave the house and made signs which have been placed around the community to spur people on through the crisis.

Andrea, who lives with husband Marc Condra in Pallion, has also thanked all of the people who have gotten involved with volunteering and made donations of shopping, material and other essential items to support the vulnerable.

She added: “What you get back from it is amazing – everybody is just so thankful and so grateful.

“I’m really proud of the community and everybody getting together.”

Ahead of VE Day 75 on Friday, May 8, Andrea has also made posters encouraging people to get involved with bank holiday celebrations from the safety of their own homes and gardens.

If you are interested in joining the group or would like to volunteer in any way, you can find it on Facebook here.

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