One Northern Devon has worked with council and voluntary sector partners across North Devon and Torridge to launch a volunteer support service to help the most vulnerable residents to self-isolate safely during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The service, intended for people who don’t have the help of family or friends living nearby, launches on 6thApril and offers a range of support from food shopping, prescription collection and phone calls to combat loneliness through their network of volunteers.
Partnerships across North Devon and Torridge – called One Communities – as well as smaller parishes have formed a network of volunteers on a street by street level.
One Northern Devon chair, Dr John Womersley says: “It’s been fantastic to see so many support groups spring up for people in communities to help one another. It has also been truly heartening to see hundreds of thousands of people across the UK signing up to support the NHS and their neighbours during this Covid-19 pandemic.
The One Northern Devon network builds on this neighbourliness and connects those in need with all of the brilliant schemes and support available in our communities. If there are any volunteers or volunteering groups that are not yet part of the network, we’d love to hear from you.”
In North Devon, anyone needing this service can be reached through North Devon Council’s new Covid-19 support line which is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on (01271) 388280. Alternatively, people can complete a request form at any time of day: https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/coronavirus/communities-and-voluntary-sector-support/
North Devon Council Leader Cllr David Worden says: “We know there are many people already receiving lots of support in their communities and it’s wonderful to see the efforts people are going to. However, we’re aware there will be people slipping between the cracks and this service is here to help them.”
In Torridge, a dedicated phone line has been set up by Torridge District Council 01237 428888 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm) Out of hours people can leave a message with their contact details or email covid19@torridge.gov.uk
Councillor Ken James – Leader of Torridge District Council says: “The community spirit we’ve witnessed in recent weeks has been truly uplifting with people volunteering for the NHS, checking and assisting neighbours with their needs such as shopping and supporting more vulnerable people in general. The comradery has allowed organisations across the district to support each other and this is another great example of that process. Thank you to everyone involved in these endeavours and hopefully by working together we will continue to support people in the community in a way which minimises the disruption and fallout caused by the crisis.”
One Northern Devon Community Developers, employed through NDVS (North Devon Voluntary Services) and TTVS (Torridge Voluntary Services) have been key to co-ordinating local responses, working closely with Town Councils and local councillors.
Local volunteer groups across North Devon and Torridge wishing to be part of the One Northern Devon network can contact gail@ndvs.org.uk.
Contact info
One Northern Devon is a partnership of public and voluntary sector partners working together to improve wellbeing in North Devon & Torridge. It aims to reduce health inequalities through co-ordination of the activity of all partners involved in the wider determinants of health.
For information on One Northern Devon contact Andrea Beacham on andrea.beacham@nhs.net