Volunteers praised for coronavirus response

County council leaders have thanked the army of volunteers who have rallied to help those in need during the coronavirus outbreak.

More than 800 residents have offered to help with tasks including food and medicine deliveries across Herefordshire.

A team of more than 170 volunteers in Ledbury have organised and have got the whole town and outlying rural areas covered.

Lara Sysum, helped set up Ledbury Covid-19 Support Group, to organise the relief effort in the town.

She said she was extremely grateful and overwhelmed with the level of support people were offering.

“We set up the Facebook group a few weeks ago and didn’t really think it would come to much at the time,” she said.

“But it now has more than 1,400 members and we have a team of more than 170 volunteers in Ledbury.

“We’ve mapped out the town by zones and have people who will do the shopping and deliver medicine to those who can’t leave the house.

“We do a medicine run every day at 3pm so we help deliver prescriptions to people who need them.”

County councillor Liz Harvey said the number of people volunteering was fantastic.

“As a county we have a large percentage of the population who are older and are time rich and give so much of their time to volunteer.

“But it’s also the case that many of these are now in the age group the Government wants to protect from the virus.

“So it’s good to see that so many younger people have got involved in volunteering.

“Every street in Ledbury is covered, and some of the rural areas too.

She said the market towns had responded very well in setting up their own volunteer response to the crisis.

“There are good schemes in Ross, Leominster and Bromyard.

“I’m told they’ve even set up a community radio in Bromyard.”

Council leader David Hitchiner thanked all the frontline staff, NHS, emergency services and other key workers for the amazing work they are doing to support and protect everyone in Herefordshire.

“Also, thank you to everyone for following the government guidelines especially during this lovely weather. Stay home and stay safe,” he said.

Anyone who needs help or wishing to volunteer can do so by contacting the council’s Talk Community Covid-19 response team on 01432 260027 or email talkcommunitycovidresponse@herefordshire.gov.uk.