THERE has been a ‘fantastic’ community response to the coronavirus emergency says the leader of Craven District Council.

People across the district have been volunteering to help the elderly, vulnerable and those having to self isolate, said Cllr Richard Foster.

Craven District Council along with other district councils in the county have joined forces with North Yorkshire County Council to co-ordinate the community response to help those isolated and most at risk from the pandemic.

The 23 community support organisations across North Yorkshire will be the single point of contact for the county and district councils and for the working with the local voluntary sector.

The groups can offer a wide variety of help and support, including how to get food and supplies, keeping people from feeling overly isolated, and even help with walking dogs, while at the same time always observing Government instructions on social distancing.

Cllr Foster said: “We know there has been a fantastic community response in Craven with people from across the district volunteering to help the elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating residents in their own towns and villages. “In my own village of Hebden I have been involved with the community effort myself and I know how hard the volunteers are working.”

He added: “We are liaising closely with all these local groups as well as with other agencies so that we can support our communities and help keep people safe.

“There are a number of ways in which we as a council can support these voluntary groups and we are asking any group organisers within Craven to email us at comms@cravendc.gov.uk so we can ensure you receive the right support.”

Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said: “We want to make it clear that people first and foremost should turn to family, neighbours and friends for help with things like getting in groceries or collecting medication or in delivering a hot meal.

“If this network is not available to them we would then ask them to make contact with church organisations, clubs, voluntary sector organisations they are supported by or societies they belong to.

“ But North Yorkshire is known for its great spirit of generosity so that for those with no immediate network of support, we are working with district council colleagues and selected community organisations to deliver that support in their local area.”

The role of the community support organisation, like the one in Victoria Hall, Settle, is to be the single point of contact for those who are alone and isolated by the pandemic.

It can also provide information as to what support is available in the community; act as local hub for individuals and groups wishing to volunteer in the community response; and provide information on local shopping options and trusted suppliers who are delivering directly to those who are self-isolating.

The community support organisation will in turn work with local voluntary sector groups to arrange:

* Collection and delivery of shopping using local volunteering resources. Shopping will be delivered in line with the safety guidelines and left on the doorstep or in a safe place, in order to avoid close physical contact.

* Collection and delivery of prescriptions using local volunteers. Prescriptions will be collected by a nominated person or organisation with the agreement of the GP or pharmacist;

* Caring for pets, such as dog walking.

* Regular social contact via telephone, FaceTime, Skype or other methods that avoid physical contact with an individual in self-isolation.

* Delivery of books and magazines or materials to support hobbies, such as wool or knitting or art materials

Cllr Les said those who wanted to help should first ask family, friends and neighbours, to see if they needed any assistance. They can also contact local voluntary groups - remembering all the time Government regulations on travelling.

“We don’t want volunteers travelling long distances to help out,” he said.

“They need to remain within their local area. Nor do we want them to put themselves or others in personal jeopardy. Like all of us, volunteers must follow the Government’s safety guidance on keeping a two metre distance from people and the regular washing of hands.

“If volunteers have specific or specialist skills to offer, again they should be in contact with local groups. They can also contact the county council customer service centre which can direct them to their local community support organisation which can process their offer of help.”

The county council is working with the community support organisations to bring in North Yorkshire Volunteer ID cards in line with Government guidance.

“The biggest help is maintaining contact with people who are alone and isolated” said Cllr Les. “We will be looking for volunteers above all who will be able to ring people up and chat with them.

“We want the community response across North Yorkshire to be as coordinated and effective as possible and one which observes the Government’s strict guidance on coronavirus. We have a massive task ahead of us and we do not underestimate the challenges or the complexities of what we face. These are unprecedented times for all of us and so it is critical that we do even more to pull together in the right way to get through this crisis.”

People in urgent need of help who have no friends, family, church or clubs to turn to should get in touch with North Yorkshire County Council’s Customer Service Centre of 01609 780780.