Covid community response scheme continues into third lockdown

Mumbles Community Council is continuing its community response volunteering scheme into the third lockdown.

The scheme was set up after the first lockdown to match volunteers with vulnerable members of the Mumbles community.

The operations team, a group of seven, was headed up by Councillor Rebecca Fogarty.

"At the first lockdown, we were really conscious that it came into effect so swiftly. Supermarkets were struggling with delivery demands, and similarly with pharmacies," Cllr Fogarty said.

"A small group of community councillors got together to think about how they could respond."

The council initiated the scheme with a leaflet drop to 8,000 households. By the end of April 221 volunteers had signed up.

"The response from the community has been fantastic and such a joy to see people stepping up to look out for their neighbours," Cllr Fogarty continued.

"I think some of the relationships that have been built will no doubt carry on after Covid.

"We really want to put the message out during this most recent lockdown that we're still here and, if anyone needs assistance, please call."

The volunteering scheme pairs volunteers with individuals in the community, assisting them with local shopping, prescription collection and delivery, dog walking and phone buddying. Volunteers used PPE provided by the community council and used social distancing.

"A community really came together. It was one of the best things we could have ever done," said Claire Anderson, who manned the phones as part of the volunteering operation.

"I put a food box outside my door, and people would just load it up for the foodbank. It was really heart-warming to be part of such a successful scheme

"We had such lovely notes of kindness and appreciation. I feel proud to have been part of it because I think we were able to help many people."

Lindsay Bater was working part-time as a locum optometrist when the first lockdown occurred and became involved in the scheme after his services were no longer required. He collected and delivered prescriptions to members of the community from the local pharmacy.

"I soon realised that the simple act of delivering prescriptions makes a huge difference to

someone in isolation. Those in the vulnerable groups who were unable to leave their

home were dependent on families, neighbours and volunteers to provide their basic

needs and if I could help in some small way then I was happy to do so," he said.

Mr Bater said that this was brought home even more after he and his wife caught Covid and had to isolate.

"If it wasn't for the kindness of friends who supported us we would

have had a very miserable Christmas," he said.

"It's the little things that matter, having a chat, picking up shopping; the simple things

can make a big difference to a person's wellbeing.

"But it works both ways because, as a volunteer, you also get a sense of satisfaction that you have contributed and given something back to the community."

Sally Webber also volunteered with the scheme.

"I was furloughed from both my jobs and I found myself with time on my hands, so I decided to volunteer," she said.

Ms Webber would regularly shop for a member of the community who lived on his own.

"It gave me a sense of achievement. It helped me through the lockdown because it was something to do and I didn't mind going shopping – I was very careful, and the community council gave you gloves and masks to wear," she continued.

"Everybody seemed to rally round and help each other. I think it benefitted the community greatly."

If you want to know more about the volunteering scheme, click here.