Call for Care in the Community volunteers paused after astonishing response – 1,500 put their names forward

‘Care for our Community – Sevenoaks District’ has paused its call for volunteers following an astonishing response from residents.

However anyone who requires help can continue to register via www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/requesthelp or call 01732 227000.

The volunteer scheme, set up by community groups and Sevenoaks District Council, asked residents to step forward to help vulnerable people and those in self-isolation with shopping, picking up prescriptions and other small tasks during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Since it was launched just over two weeks ago (on Friday 20 March), almost 1,500 volunteers have put their names forward to help. Sevenoaks District Council also now have access to volunteers who have signed up to the NHS scheme and they will be used for tasks such as prescription collection and patient transport.

Cabinet Member for People and Places, Cllr Lesley Dyball, said: “I have been amazed by our residents’ reaction to this crisis with so many people coming forward with offers of help. In this uncertain time, it shows the very best of humanity.”

“Thanks to the community’s unbelievable response, we have paused the registration of new volunteers for the District-wide scheme, but we will keep the situation under review.

“I would stress we are still encouraging residents who need help to register with the scheme so we can match them with one of our volunteers.”

Residents who are self-isolating or need help can register with ‘Care for our Community – Sevenoaks District’ at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/requesthelp or by calling the Council on 01732 227000.