Coordinated community response to COVID-19 launched

Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire West Voluntary Action (CWVA) and the voluntary and community sector are all working closely together to provide an opportunity for residents to volunteer in the fight against COVID-19.

An online form has been created for residents to pledge their support for local communities, helping to make sure west Cheshire’s most vulnerable residents have access to things like essential food and medical supplies, as well as somebody to keep in touch with during any periods of self isolation.

Once residents have completed the online form, CWVA will signpost them to the charities and community groups in their area so they can do their bit to tackle COVID-19. Residents can also state what kind of volunteering they would be interested in so they can be matched with the ideal charity or community group.

• Register your support for the community now

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “It is fantastic to see so many groups popping up in communities throughout west Cheshire as this spirit shows the determination of local people to triumph over the pandemic we now face.

“We are working closely with our partners in the community and voluntary sector to make sure we have a coordinated response and avoid any duplication. A lot of these charities and community groups have been around for years, providing a valuable service to vulnerable residents, and they continue do so in the fight against COVID-19.

“I would like to invite all volunteers who want to help and all groups who are already mobilising their efforts to become part of our network so that we can work together to build a strong and sustainable community response to coronavirus that safeguards the elderly, vulnerable and economically-impacted individuals in our borough.

“By working together across the community with local health organisations, charity sector, business sector, voluntary sector and faith sector, we can all play our part and beat this virus into history.”

Good neighbours can make a big difference to more vulnerable residents in their communities over the coming weeks and months, whether that is collecting their shopping, sending their mail, or simply have a short phone call with them.

Micro volunteering is a great way of doing small things to make a big impact. You don’t even need to leave the house as simply spreading the word about services or activities available in local communities could make all the difference.

All kinds of volunteering can be done while taking the relevant precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and before eating, drinking or touching your face.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
• Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
• Leave any of your good neighbour deliveries at the door.

If you are a local charity or community group and would like to share your current activities, please email: enquiries@chesterva.org.uk. Businesses wanting to get involved with the community response can also email the same address.