AMAZING VOLUNTEERS HELPING DISTRICT RESIDENTS THROUGH PANDEMIC

Volunteers who responded to the call to help those isolated by COVID-19 across Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh have continued to prove that they are truly amazing.

Through the community hubs they have been giving hundreds of hours over the last two months to deliver meals, shop and collect medicines for those who cannot leave their homes and have no other means of getting help.

The three hubs, one each based in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh are led by voluntary organisations and Folkestone & Hythe District Council with grant funding support from the council.

The response by the volunteers since the hubs began operating in March has to date resulted in:

• 17186 welfare checks made
• 9482 hot meals delivered
• 2764 loads of shopping collected
• 2432 prescriptions collected and delivered
• 860 offers of information and advice given

The above are only some of the services offered by the 600 volunteers who have offered their time though the hubs.

In addition the council’s own staff have been helping residents who have rung or e-mailed its emergency helpline. The dedicated COVID-19 hotline has received 1398 calls and colleagues have responded to 1604 emails.

Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee, Folkestone & Hythe District Council Cabinet Member for Communities said: “Our district is indebted to these volunteers who have responded to the thousands of requests for help received by the hubs. They are a true credit to our local community and as well as delivering meals or getting shopping they are a friendly face and a “socially distanced” chat for those they are helping.

“I am very moved, but actually not surprised,  by the number of people both young and old who have offered to help those in need. Hundreds of calls are being received and responded to by the hubs each week and what they are doing will never be forgotten.”

The local hubs are open seven days a week. These cannot be visited but can be contacted on:

• Hythe Community Support Hub – run by AGE UK.

Contact them on: [email protected] or 01303 269602

• Folkestone Community Support Hub – run by Three Hills Sports Centre supported by Citizens Advice and Kent Coast Volunteering.

Contact them on: [email protected] or 01303 316186

• Romney Marsh Community Support Hub – run by Romney Marsh Day Centre.

Contact them on: [email protected] or 01797 208590

The council’s COVID-19 helpline is 01303 761116 (open from 9am to 5pm every day) or via email at [email protected] . Residents and businesses can find out about help and assistance available to them both locally and get signposted to national support. Residents can also feedback helpful information or concerns about their community or individuals.

For the latest on COVID-19 related matters locally please visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/coronavirus