Volunteers urged to come forward to support elderly and vulnerable people in Harborough

Volunteers are being urgently asked to come forward to support elderly and vulnerable people in Harborough.

The new joint campaign is being launched by Harborough District Council and Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL).

They are teaming up to help combat the coronavirus emergency as the UK goes into lockdown.

If you would like to help out then from 9am on Wednesday March 25 you can sign up online at www.volunteerleicestershire.org.uk/covid-19You will be able to carry out tasks such as shopping, dog walking, posting mail or collecting prescriptions for anyone unable to get out and about because of the outbreak.

And you can also be a friendly, comforting voice at the end of the phone to an elderly or vulnerable resident feeling cut off in these extraordinary times.

Cllr Phil King, the leader of Harborough District Council, said: “We have already seen a fantastic response locally with people looking out for their neighbours.

“But we know there are lots of people who want to help in these unprecedented times so we want to make this possible.”

Those wishing to help out will be allocated a suitable task.

The health and safety of volunteers, and of those who could be in contact with them, will be of paramount importance to the scheme’s organisers.

Cllr Phil Knowles, the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Harborough council, said: “The number of volunteers coming forward is wonderful but we can use more and we need more.

“Coordination is taking place to make sure that we do this as well as possible.”

He added: “The Harborough council website offers the opportunity to make sure your offer of help is recorded.

“So I would urge all organisations and individuals who want to assist in these difficult times to use the website.”

Maureen O’Malley, VASL’s charity manager, said: “We know from calls we have already received that there are people across the district who want to volunteer to help others and this website will give them the opportunity to do so.

“Our mission is to improve the lives of people.

“And in these difficult times we welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with Harborough District Council.”

Anyone who would like to help but is unable to register online can call VASL on 01858 433232 or email [email protected]