WOW! More than 8,000 volunteers have joined the Northamptonshire coronavirus appeal

The county has responded to a call for volunteers with thousands signing up to help.

Thousands of volunteers have stepped forward to help after the coronavirus appeal was launched in Northamptonshire at the start of this week.

The Local Community Resilience team – which is heading up efforts to coordinate the county's coronavirus response – has said 8,319 people including 500 groups have volunteered to join the effort to keep the county’s population safe and well.

Deputy leader of Northamptonshire County Council, Anna Earnshaw, had made the appeal on Monday in a drive to coordinate the pop-up groups and good Samaritans who have started to self organise over recent weeks since the deadly pandemic began to effect the country.

Social distancing is a key part in the efforts to control the spread of the virus.

The Community Resilience team is now working daily with district and borough councils to create community hubs, which will be able to coordinate support for those who need it most in their area.

Some of the key roles the community hubs and their volunteers will be involved in include: supporting with supply of medicines and food to those in at-risk categories, as well as offering to support those who are feeling lonely.

A large number of established community groups such as Age UK, the Red Cross, Neighbourhood Watch and many other recognised organisations are also actively involved in the effort.

Leader of Northamptonshire County Council Matthew Golby, said: “The response to the plea for help earlier this week has been overwhelmingly positive. The community spirit shown by these groups and individuals will play a significant and vital role in supporting those most in need during this period. “I want to sincerely thank everyone who has committed to supporting this effort, whether it be through the offer of shopping, making a phone call or collecting medicines, your effort is making a significant difference to those most in need across Northamptonshire.”

Next week a helpline will be set up for those who need help during the countrywide crisis. An online form will also be set up so people can register the help they need. The local resilience forum will also be sending regular updates to groups and volunteers so they are kept up to date with the latest developments.

The LRF is still looking for more groups and volunteers to come forward. People can fill in an online form or email [email protected]

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Northamptonshire now stands at 64.Since Tuesday (March 24) the country has been on lockdown with people ordered by the PM to stay home and only exercise outdoors once a day.