FROME’S community volunteers have continued to deliver much-needed support to residents in need during the second national lockdown.
As people were encouraged to stay at home to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, Active and In Touch’s 140 volunteers sprang into action yet again, offering help with shopping, 1:1 face to face support with socially distanced walks, friendly phonecalls, and video calls.
Active and In Touch admin volunteer, Patricia Baker, told Frome Times, “Despite lockdown 2, Active and In Touch has been able to continue helping and supporting those vulnerable people in Frome and the surrounding villages who are feeling lonely or isolated.
“Sadly, this number now includes not only existing pre-coronavirus members, but also a continuous growth in people whose health and wellbeing are being affected through a lack of social contact during the pandemic. Currently more than 220 people are being supported by about 140 volunteers.
“We have continued to offer support through our 1:1 face to face meet ups outside. This is through volunteers meeting with members for a socially distanced walk and also Tuesday Group meetings in Victoria Park, where contact is made whilst still adhering to all national guidelines.
“Additional support is now also offered through ‘Shop for Me’, which Active and In Touch has recently taken over from Frome Town Council.
“More frequent phone calls are also being made to those who are isolated, letters have been written and FaceTime employed to keep in contact. Some volunteers have been inventive playing online board games and encouraging members to talk about their past experiences and life, resulting in their stories being recorded for posterity.”
And as restrictions are slowly lifted, the Active and In Touch team are showing no signs of slowing down, as they prepare to support the community over the festive period.
Patricia continues, “As the festive season approaches, Christmas cards are also being sent to show people they are remembered and thought about, whilst an online monthly Newsletter helps to maintain a feeling of closeness and community.
“Active and In Touch is also supporting Sam and The Big Christmas – the plan being to pack and deliver over 150 hampers bringing some cheer to those people spending Christmas on their own.
“If you think you can spare an hour a week connecting with others and helping in the ongoing combatting of loneliness, Active and In Touch is always keen to recruit new adult volunteers of all ages so please contact enquiries@activeandintouch.org. We look forward to hearing from you.”
Picture: A volunteer and a member chatting at the bandstand in Victoria Park during a Tuesday Group meeting during lockdown.
