Corby community's heart-warming response to coronavirus outbreak continues to pull together

Official figures show that more than 131 members of the public and 42 members of staff at Corby council have stepped up and offered to get out into the community to help those during the coronavirus outbreak.

Corby council has been working closely with the Countywide Emergency Community Resilience Cell, neighbouring councils, the NHS and other organisations to ensure that the vulnerable are given the necessary support.

Via the Countywide hotline, the Corby Community Hub has so far responded to over 90 individual requests for support from members of the community that are either self-isolating with Covid-19 symptoms or who are facing a 'personal crisis situation' leaving them unable to get food or collect their prescriptions.

Corby council’s lead member for community, Cllr John McGhee, said: “The latest update from the Community Resilience Team in Corby was very welcome and uplifting at a difficult time.

"Although not surprising, I am pleased to hear that so many people have stepped up to the challenge of doing their bit for those who need it most – Corby has always been a town that comes together in times of need and its heart warming to know that that is no different during what is a worrying time worldwide."

Volunteers have been doing weekly shops and deliveries for those who are in financial difficulties, live alone or have other health issues and have no other support network.

Anyone who is unable to pay has received a food parcel from Helping Hands Corby, or the Corby Foodbank, which includes fresh food thanks to a donation of two fridges by KHL Big Local.

Daily and weekly phonecalls have also been offered to anyone within the community who is feeling lonely during the lockdown period.

Mr McGhee added: "A huge to thank you to everyone involved, from those out there in the community, to the ones behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly, to the local supermarkets and food outlets who have been generous with direct donations and providing trolleys in their entrance for public donations, to the charity organisations, Helping Hands and Corby Foodbank.

"Together, everyone is playing their part in ensuring no one goes without no matter their situation.”

The Council’s £10,000 Emergency Community Grant Scheme has awarded three grants so far of £250 each to the Corby Food Bank, the Less Project and The Autumn Centre to supporting their 500 elderly members many of whom have been self-isolating for 12 weeks.

Helping Hands and Corby Foodbank accept donations of the following: all Tinned food (including soup and puddings), soap (bars and dispenser), shampoo, conditioner, tea, coffee, long-life milk, crisps, biscuits, porridge, tissues, hand sanitizer, toilet roll, kitchen roll, rice and pasta.

For support call 0300 126 1000, Option 5 or e-mail [email protected].

A message from the Editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper when you do your weekly shop.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued

advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you