KEYNSHAM NEWS
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COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE GROUP Sally and How Life Changed. Sally – Resident How did you first hear of Keynsham Community Response Group and the volunteers? Well, first I got a letter through the door and was given the name and number of a volunteer. She came to visit and said she’d be happy to shop and do some other things and I thought thank God for that because I couldn’t see how I was going to get out and do things. We’d been told on the news that we couldn’t go out. Did she manage to sort things out for you? Well yes she did. She sorted out some shopping, a prescription and this and that and then I had to phone the advice line. I’d phone on a Monday morning and speak to Dave who would get my prescriptions and shopping on a Wednesday. I was very glad really. How are you doing now? Not too bad. It can still be a bit quiet you know. I’m still not happy about this Covid thing and being out. They bring me extra food which is nice too although I am beginning to do a bit of shopping at Iceland. I would like to thank them all for what they’ve done yes. They’ve been wonderful. Colin and How Life Changed. Colin McSherry - Volunteer How did you first get involved? I heard from Clarice at St Dunstan’s and she mentioned a group. Kelly put notes through the door and I’d been meaning to get involved and I got Kelly, Rich and Marie together firstly.
We formed our little group and then joined the bigger KCRG group through Dave and then Clare contacted me. I then became lead of our turquoise area group. What sort of activites have you been involved in? Contacting the vulnerable in our area. We started out phoning people every week and have been arranging shopping and prescriptions. My role was ‘workforce management’ for the shopping. I make sure we’ve got a team together. I do the accounting for the shopping and I do deliveries. Our team is so committed that even though they are going back to work full time, they are as committed to helping as ever. What do you see as the future of the group now? I think there is still the opportunity to look after people in difficult circumstances and are on their own. People still need support. We have cleaned fridges and homes for people who have been in hospital. These people are slipping through the social care gaps. We’ve called the ambulance for a vulnerable individual even this week. We need to try to identify more people in these circumstances. We need to try extra hard to find these people. We’re still coming across people that don’t go out at all. People were so grateful that they’ve tried to give us money which we never accept of course. I had 15 stunning volunteers in my group at the height of this and I’ve still got 10 that I can call upon at any time and I’ve got a fantastic team. I’m so grateful for their commitment. Team Torquoise Unicorn, you’re amazing! Should any of these things ring true for you, do please ring the advice line on 07534 071466 we are still here to help.
