Hundreds of volunteers have responded to Trafford Partnership’s call for help to reach the borough’s most vulnerable residents during the lockdown period.
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the authority, in partnership with Trafford Housing Trust, Trafford CCG, Thrive and the Citizens Advice Bureau, mobilised six Community Response Hubs located in Altrincham, Sale, Urmston, Partington, Stretford and Old Trafford.
The centres were set up to ensure those most severely at-risk of illness could receive essential food and medical parcels to their front door.
As part of this, a call was put out calling on Trafford residents to volunteer their time and expertise to help get the hubs up and running.
Cllr Graham Whitham, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships, praised the army of volunteers for doing an outstanding job.
We’ve been overwhelmed with the response from the public, who all want to do their bit to support our most vulnerable communities, for which we are extremely grateful,
Without the help and support from our amazing volunteers it would have been an impossible task to reach those that need our help the most. It shows what an amazing sense of community spirit and togetherness there is in Trafford.
They are doing an outstanding job day in, day out.
Similar to us, the voluntary sector has a critical role to play in all this, and as a local authority we are pooling all our resources to help keep our communities safe and protected.”
More than 400 people offered to help and there are currently 100 volunteers working across the six hubs, however, more are likely to be required as need for critical supplies increases. This is in addition to the 100s of Trafford residents who responded to the governments call for volunteer as part of the NHS scheme.
Meanwhile, the Council aims to support as many residents as it can during this crisis, and it is really important people know where to go for help and advice, to support themselves and their families.
For anyone struggling with support needs, and are unable to get help from family, friends or a local group, should call 0300 330 9073 (8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday).
Posted on Tuesday 21st April 2020