Local Support

During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, the Mill Bank Group ran a volunteer scheme to support people who are self-isolating in Mill Bank, Cottonstones, Soyland and the surrounding area. The scheme offered help with shopping, preparing meals, delivering prescriptions, dog-walking, posting letters or just keeping in touch with a friendly phone call.

Around 300 households received a leaflet with the names and phone numbers of around 30 volunteers. Volunteers were briefed on matters such as safety and safeguarding but are not police–checked (DBS). The scheme is in regular contact with the council’s volunteer organisers.

The scheme continues to run and is available for any villagers who require support during these difficult times.

To make arrangements with a volunteer:

• Find a nearby volunteer from the list
• Phone them, explain what you need and give them your name, address and phone number
• If you need shopping, agree in advance how and when you will pay the volunteer – cash or cheque? In advance or on delivery?
• Volunteers will let you know when they expect to arrive. They will leave items on the doorstep and will not enter your home
• At all times, please keep a distance of at least 2 metres from the volunteer at the door, and don’t open the door if you are not sure who is calling
• Tell the volunteer if you want somebody to keep in touch by phone
• If something doesn’t feel right, don’t open the door
• If you are worried about your safety, inform the volunteer
• Don’t hesitate or be embarrassed to contact a volunteer.

The scheme organiser for the Mill Bank Group is Michael Beazley. If you have any questions about the scheme you can contact him on 07756 822 992 or email via the contact us page.