As a Residents’ Association our first concern is for the safety and wellbeing of people in our community. We have a helpline number for anyone needing practical help while isolating – 07377231699 or [email protected].
The advice from the Government and the NHS is clear – take preventative measures; including frequent handwashing and good hygiene, social distancing and in some cases, self-isolating at home.
Many older members of the community or those with certain health conditions are now self-isolating at home to protect themselves. Some parents are struggling to shop for essentials if either they or their children have long term health conditions or disabilities. Working families are trying to work from home with young children demanding their attention. Older or vulnerable people are worried about walking their dogs, or picking up shopping.
The Residents’ Association, volunteers from St Wilfrid’s church and a group of local volunteers from the Facebook COVID Cooperation Harrogate Group are working together to ensure that in the event of the situation worsening, and people becoming increasingly housebound, there is a network of volunteer neighbours who will be able to help with shopping, dog walking and checking that their neighbours are managing. We currently have around 30 volunteers.
In addition we are fortunate in Harrogate to have some great charities who may be able to help:
Harrogate Easier Living Project (HELP) – 01423 813090 www.helpharrogate.org.uk
Supporting Older People – 01423 531490 www.supportingolderpeople.org.uk
By cooperating, staying home wherever possible, supporting our neighbours and most importantly ensuring we follow guidance from Public Health England as a community, we increase the chances that we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Duchy Helpers on 07377231699 or email us at [email protected] with any offers of help, support or ideas as to how we can get through what is potentially a long period of time at home!