ACORN community union has launched a Coronavirus Community Support network that has already mobilised around five hundred volunteers to help vulnerable people currently having to stay indoors during the pandemic.
Requests for support have ranged from delivering shopping and prescriptions, to checking-in with people by phone or video chat to counter the loneliness that isolation can cause, and even delivering a portion of fish and chips.
An example of the kind of help given comes via Emma who lives in Brighton but her mother in law, Helen, who has an auto-immune condition, learning difficulties and mental health issues, lives near Bolton...
"We are unable to physically help my mother-in-law, apart from remotely via the internet given the distance" says Emma "She received a letter saying to commence twelve week shielding which she didn't even understand, we had to explain what that meant...Due to her issues, she can't access online services and isn't tech savvy like many people.
"ACORN has been our lifeline and helped a lot with her anxiety by getting essential supplies to her quickly" she adds "We have a secure, safe system which was initiated very quickly by ACORN, taking into consideration my mother-in-law's needs - I really can't thank them enough..."
And ACORN volunteer Emma Patchwood adds: "I've felt proud to be able to help folk that really need it, whilst working within the clear guidance for safety and effectiveness that's been set out by ACORN. I'm not gonna lie; I've had a couple of happiness cries in my car after completing jobs where folk have been so grateful for the help. This virus has spread a lot of scary stuff but I also think it might have galvanised a lot of community cohesion and faith in humanity, thanks to organisations like ACORN."
The ACORN website has a form that people can use to request assistance and a phone number for those without access to the internet. Volunteers can also sign up through the website: www.acorntheunion.org.uk/corona .
ACORN has also been campaigning for the Government to end evictions during the coronavirus outbreak, so that people are able to safely self-isolate in their homes without the risk of being made homeless. Recently, housing secretary Robert Jenrick announced that the Government would be putting a stop to all evictions for at least ninety days during the crisis.
ACORN is now calling for a rent waiver for the duration of the crisis, so that any arrears accrued cannot be included in future grounds for eviction, and an immediate and permanent end to section 21 'no fault evictions'. It has a petition with over 42,000 signatures. To sign – click here
Community help for the vulnerable is also available in Salford via the Walkden and Little Hulton Step Into Action Group -see previous Salford Star article - click here - and the Spirit of Salford network - click here
Main images show a card and rainbow painting made by the son of a heavily pregnant women currently isolating in her home, to say 'Thank you' to ACORN volunteer Denise who has been delivering food parcels.
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