In a week where over 1000 people signed up to volunteer to help Sefton’s response to Covid-19, that community spirit led to a special letter of thanks from Sefton Council and Sefton CVS to all staff and volunteers in the borough’s VCF (voluntary, community and faith) sector.
Written by Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, Cllr Trish Hardy, the letter, outlines the role of the Community Response Cell, bringing together partners including Sefton Council, Merseyside Police and Sefton’s Council Voluntary Services, along with Sefton’s two clinical commissioning groups and other partners in responding to the changing needs of the borough and our residents in the coming weeks and months of the crisis.
The letter shared useful information on the national helpline set up for those shielding, and the Council’s support for those registered as shielding, such as making regular phone calls to those shielding to find out what needs they have in relation to medicines, food supplies and more.
Last but not least, Cllr Hardy expressed gratitude for all those who had volunteered their support at an extremely difficult time, whether through established volunteering channels or helping their communities in lots of different ways. From supporting foodbanks, to helping to tackle social isolation at a very difficult time.
Tanya Wilcock, Head of Communities at Sefton Council said:
“The picture changes daily for our residents and communities as Coronavirus and its impacts are felt. It is great to pause for a brief moment to recognise the way our communities have come together to help one another, while also bringing our partners in the VCF sector up to date with Sefton’s response. This letter will do this, while helping to maintain morale at such an unprecedented time for us all.”
Angela White OBE, Chief Executive at Sefton CVS said:
“Sefton has a unique community spirit, and Sefton CVS has been overwhelmed with the number of Sefton residents that have come forward to volunteer in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Following this letter from Cllr Hardy, I look forward to continuing our partnership work in supporting our most vulnerable residents at this very difficult time.”
Fiona Taylor, Chief Officer for NHS South Sefton and NHS Southport and Formby CCGs, said:
“Our GP practices and other local health services are working tirelessly together with all our partners involved in our Sefton response to Coronavirus, to ensure that our most vulnerable residents have the care, medicines and food supplies they need during this pandemic. Despite this being a worrying and challenging time for many, I have been heartened by the speed with which organisations and individuals have come forward and together are providing essential support and care for those residents who need it most. I would like to pay tribute to everyone involved in this effort.”
To find out more about Sefton’s volunteering response, what you can do to help and to read Cllr Hardy’s letter in full, visit the dedicated webpage on the Sefton Council website.
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