Coronavirus: Eastbourne volunteer organisation calls for ‘kind-hearted’ people to help vulnerable and frail

The 3VA organisation issued an appeal on Tuesday (March 24) for ‘kind-hearted’ individuals to consider helping in a ‘variety of ways’ during the coming weeks and months.

Chief executive of 3VA Adam Chugg urged fit and able people to consider offering their time or expertise and outlined a number of ways for people to get involved in the fight-back against the virus.

Adam said, “The simplest thing everyone can do right now is to be neighbourly, to look out for their neighbours and offer help with shopping and other errands for people who cannot get out of the house. But please, above all, do it safely.”

A 3VA spokesperson said the organisation is moving at a ‘super-fast’ pace to rally the troops and ensure the vulnerable and self- isolating have as much support as possible.

Adam’s second suggestion is to support the local foodbank. He said foodbank collection points are in most major supermarkets and support would be welcomed.

Adam also said people could consider how they might offer support and expertise to many of the other charities coming together to help.

He said, “If people have time to go onto our website, they will see what an amazing community response is already being mounted. They are always keen to do more and perhaps your input could be just what they are looking for.”

Adam said there were national charities mounting local appeals to help people, and he urged communities to consider raiding their coin jars to see if they could make a small contribution.

He said, “In these troubling times, literally every penny counts. There will be more information on the best ways to volunteer in the coming days.

“Charities are working with the government and local authorities to create ways for people to get involved.

“Remember it’s a marathon not a sprint – we’re not at the peak and the time we need most people will likely be over the coming weeks.”

For more information about volunteering, visit [email protected], or visit the Facebook page called Eastbourne Volunteers or email them at [email protected].

• Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is an illness which affects the lungs and airways. Symptoms are a high temperature and continuous cough.

• The Government is now telling people to stay at home unless: shopping for basic necessities, one form of exercise a day, any medical need or to help a vulnerable person, and travelling to and from work - ONLY when absolutely necessary