The Melbourn Hub Shows its Worth! Lockdown The role of the Melbourn Community Hub as the centre of village life was rudely interrupted by the Covid-19 crisis in March, sharing this dreadful experience with all other local businesses and of course residents. Our staff members were furloughed and loyal volunteers asked to stay at home. Many people had to self isolate and it was an intensely anxious time for everyone. The Hub café and the Library Access point were ‘mothballed’ and normal business came to a standstill. However, immediately before the lockdown was enforced the inevitable problems of isolation and social need were anticipated by the Hub management. It was clear that a task force should be set up. This new team was named the Melbourn Coronavirus Community Response (MCCR). A proposal was quickly agreed to re-purpose the Hub resources to help the village as the lockdown arrived, thanks to close co-operation and support from the Melbourn Parish Council.
a community support centre for those needing help during the pandemic and to secure resources for the initiative. Thanks to the swift action of all involved, the MCCR was set up and funded ready to support the community even before the lockdown was formally declared on 23rd March. Numerous volunteers stepped forward and they were either tasked with staffing the 7-day a week MCCR control centre or delivering services to those local residents in need. The Hub was transformed into a call and operations centre and the MCCR rapidly became central to the lives of more than 500 self-isolating residents, who depended on the prescription collection and food delivery services provided. This operation was staffed from 9.00am to 5.00pm six days a week with telephone emergency support on Sundays too. Services included a Foodbank and weekly pre-prepared food, supplied to targeted individuals and families. Two grants were secured to help fund the work, supplemented by massive public support
The MCCR The MCCR was set up in less than 7 days, operating from Melbourn Hub, managed by Cath Sharman and supported closely by District Councillor Jose Hales. The Melbourn Hub’s management group approached Cath, the Melbourn Timebank Coordinator and the Parish Council, to offer the idea and space to set up
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