Lockdown Corby community support group volunteers ready to help
The group has gained hundreds of members - with volunteers and people who are shielding
A Corby man helped by friends and family to get through the first lockdown has been inspired by his experience to set up a support group for others suffering loneliness and isolation.
Lewis Davison set up Corby Lockdown Support in response to the latest national lockdown to organise volunteers to help residents with shopping and who just want to chat.
Group members will take it in turns to provide a listening ear for emotional support and a practical helping hand for shielders and the most vulnerable members of the community.
The 30-year-old civil servant said: "Last year in the first lockdown, everybody had a really difficult time.
"I had a relationship break-up just before the national lockdown. I suffered much last year.
"During that time I got so much support from family, friends and strangers. They helped to build me back up. I went to live with my sister and she helped me.
"I set the group up for anyone to join and give whatever they can in terms of support - whether that is physical or emotional.
"It's a place to share lockdown stories, photos, jokes - anything to raise spirits of those who live alone or are suffering mentally and need to hear another friendly, human voice."
People can use the group to access volunteers who will chat to members, taking it in turns to be on call at the other end of the phone.
They are also offering to help with collecting prescriptions and small items of shopping.
Lewis said: "It's all about little acts of kindness. Being a young healthy person I want to be of some use to others but I wanted to help more people than just my own friends and family.
"The main objective is provide support."
The group, that has grown to more than 600 members in the first 36 hours, also helps to signpost services including domestic abuse and mental health support as well as ideas for home-schooling.
Helping Lewis and co-founders of the the group are his mum Sally Davison and friend, Charlotte Roberts, 25.
Mum-of-two and full-time student Charlotte is one of the people offering the friendly voice at the other end of the line.
She said: "I've already had some fun phone calls with some older people. We just chatted about their lives. I love chatting
"It's important to keep in touch and keep up spirits."
Lewis added: "I didn't think it would be this successful, maybe a hundred or so. It's absolutely amazing.
"I want people to share their lockdown experience and see other people's points of view. There's too much arguing and bickering. I want to join people together."