Volunteer service to help out Gosport’s vulnerable residents sees hundreds of applicants

A small army of volunteers is being trained to support those most in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

Following a call for help, almost 340 people have signed up for the new Gosport Community Response service.

The scheme, which has been set up as a joint venture by Gosport Voluntary Action and the Borough Council, aims to provide direct help for vulnerable people who are struggling in the current national emergency.

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Help will come in the form of these volunteers picking up their shopping, collecting prescriptions or even just being a friendly voice on the phone.

Chairman of GVA, Ian Reeves, said: ‘The initial response has been tremendous.

‘It’s enabled us to respond rapidly to requests for help, and I would like to thank the volunteers and the GVA staff for their efforts to support those in need.’

Volunteers are now being trained in batches, before they are sent out to help in the community.

During the coronavirus pandemic, many people have found themselves isolated at home without the support they need.

More than 200 requests for help have already come in, showing the urgent need for these volunteers.

Leader of Gosport Borough Council, Councillor Mark Hook, has praised the townsfolk for stepping up so readily in a time of crisis.

He said: ‘This is a great response from local people in a short space of time, and I’m sure many more will be coming forward.

‘It shows what a strong community spirit we have in the borough.’

The Council and GVA are gathering a full picture of the voluntary action taking place throughout Gosport, what support is on offer and what is needed by groups giving support.

They are setting up a central directory of groups offering support, which will be on the GVA’s website, so the most vulnerable people can find the help they need.

Groups offering support in relation to the coronavirus situation in Gosport are encouraged to register themselves by going to www.gva.org.uk/coronavirus