COMMUNITY SPIRIT

MORE than 1,000 Barnsley residents provided ‘vital’ services to the town’s most vulnerable people having answered a call for volunteers to give up their time when lockdown was imposed.

Following measures put in place by Prime Minister Boris Johnson regarding the coronavirus outbreak in March, residents across the borough were advised to only travel if necessary in a bid to reduce the spread of the deadly virus. According to a report on the town’s ongoing response, 67,000 residents were identified to be in need of help - a quarter of Barnsley’s population - and letters were sent to each at-risk household advising them of the services available.

The elderly and long-term ill were among those deemed to be most vulnerable and as they were unable to leave their house, many were found to be struggling to pick up the basic supplies they needed to survive.

Bosses at Barnsley Community and Voluntary Services believed social isolation - a long running issue in communities in the town - could be compounded as a result of the virus and sought volunteers to sign up in a bid to help those most at risk who may not have families to rely on.

A Barnsley Council report said: “Data has been used to help recognise and contact those who may be at risk. This means the organisation can make sure that resources and community volunteers are mobilised in the most effective way.

“A great strength of Barnsley is that there is already a robust and well-established community infrastructure. “As a result, a significant volume of support activity is taking place across communities through existing commissioned activity and voluntary groups. The primary focus is providing early help wherever possible.

“As of April 23, 1,638 calls were received via the coronavirus emergency contact centre. Of these, 77 per cent required help with food, 22 per cent with prescriptions and seven per cent with social isolation issues.

“A total of 1,082 community responders have been recruited, delivering vital emergency assistance to individuals and families. “The volunteers play a vital role in supporting the many residents that may need support to cope with disruptions due to coronavirus.”

CVS leaders also appealed for people to get in touch if they can spare time to chat on the phone with those who might be lonely, do shopping and drop off supplies, deliver library books to keep self-isolating residents’ minds active or administrative work.

Coun Jenny Platts, cabinet spokesman for communities, said: “I am extremely proud of Barnsley’s response in helping those at risk and people who might just need some extra support during these challenging times.

“If people require help, I can assure them that the council and our partners are committed to helping residents to stay safe at home.

“The response to people signing up to become volunteers has been outstanding, and our team of community responders really are a marvellous asset.

“I’d also like to thank the community and voluntary groups who continue to support residents. Together we are demonstrating how strong and resilient our communities are and our Barnsley spirit.”