Community-spirited Corby group ready to be helping hands for coronavirus self-isolators

The group has already got more than 1,000 members willing to help in their neighbourhoods
By Alison Bagley
Published 16th Mar 2020, 12:30 BST
Updated 16th Mar 2020, 12:32 BST

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Helping Hands CorbyHelping Hands Corby
Helping Hands Corby

A group of community-spirited Corby residents has been formed ready to help their neighbours during the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers of the Helping Hand - Coronavirus - Corby & Surroundings group will meet tonight to finalise their plan to help people self-isolating.

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In 24 hours more than 1,100 people have joined the group, set up to co-ordinate a response to assist the elderly and vulnerable in the community stuck in their homes.

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Olive in George Street will act as a drop off pointOlive in George Street will act as a drop off point
Olive in George Street will act as a drop off point

Kellie Hughes, group founder, said: "With the situation getting worse every day with the outbreak we will be working to ensure those in need will still have access to the essentials during this time.

"We want to ensure that everyone who gets in touch will be able to get help. We are enlisting the help of charities, churches and businesses so resources can be spread out and we can reach more people.

"I cannot handle all the allocating alone and I'm hoping we can create a full community project to help everything run smoothly and help everyone."

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At a meeting today, group founder Kellie, Christi-Marie Curran, Linzi Reid and Lauren Tosh will discuss their strategy.

The PhoenixThe Phoenix
The Phoenix

They hope to organise collection points across the town where food is dropped off, collected by volunteers and then distributed to people in need who are self-isolating at home.

Lauren, who works part time for Star Cars, Corby, said: "Everyone in Corby is brilliant. It's a typical Corby response full of community spirit. Kellie has been amazing.

"I'm able to help with the admin from home and I'm going to phone round businesses to see if they can help.

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"About 70 per cent of the people who have volunteered so far have got DBS checks. We're going to team them up with people who don't have one.

"We will be collecting long life food and making food parcels for people who are vulnerable, elderly and self-isolating."

Collection points so far include the Phoenix pub in Beanfield Avenue, Fallows Flooring in Market Walk - behind Boots in Corby town centre - and Olive in George Street.

The group is looking for any businesses who would like to be a drop-off point for donations to get in touch via their Facebook page.

Related topics:OrganisersCorby