Here's a look at what the Covid-19 Kenilworth Support Group has been doing since it was started nearly a year ago

The world faces massive challenges due to the current pandemic and last March various groups were set up across the country to help people.

Kenilworth was no different with the founding of the Covid-19 Kenilworth Support Group (CKSG).

The group offers a range of services for the members of the community in need.

A spokesperson from CKSG said: "Since the beginning of this crisis, we have put our arms round vulnerable members of the community and have helped to see them safely through.

"CSKG was formed in March 2020 in response to the world pandemic.

"At that time, we were acutely aware that there was an enormous job to be done, but could not possibly have known its scope and duration.

"Very quickly a team of trustees and managers formed an organisation which subsequently registered with the Charity Commission and opened its own bank account."

The current trustees at CSKG are; Rev Stella Bailey (Vicar at St Nicholas), Cllr John Dearing (Kenilworth Town Council), Cllr Richard Dickson (Kenilworth Town Mayor), Pauline Hayward (CSKG Operations Manager) and Steve James (CSK Treasurer).

The spokesperson continued: "The trustees are supported by hundreds of local volunteers, who continue to give freely of their time and talents to undertake the numerous tasks this organisation performs.

"All volunteers are DBS checked and accredited.

"In addition to some local Council financial support, huge credit must also go to local charities who have worked in partnership with CSKG.

"Without their invaluable contributions much less would have been achieved."

Here are a few of the community services provided by the CSKG volunteers:

~ Telephone Support – a “Help Line” receiving requests for help and support. Regular calls are also made to those requiring help and human contact

~ Liaison with GPs/clinicians to advise them of concerns about physical and mental health needs

~ Assistance with on-line shopping and deliveries

~ Providing cooked meals to homes of the most vulnerable, working with Molly’s Meals and local pubs including The Engine, The Virgins and Castle, The Gauntlet and The Kings Table

~ Food hampers and support to those alone at Christmas

~ Prescription collections and lifts to medical appointments

~ Voluntary support to local Covid-19 vaccination centres

They have also provided recreation and communication opportunities including home activity packs, and the “Get Connected Project” to help put people in touch using iPads donated by Kenilworth Round Table.

As a result of the lockdown many elderly people are lonely and isolated and have become immobile as a result of physical inactivity.

CSKG have said that they could help introduce those in need to appropriate qualified physical, mobility and occupational therapists.

The spokesperson added: "We shall continue to support our community throughout this pandemic.

"We have also uncovered underlying problems of isolation, loneliness and depression amongst the elderly, and isolated cases of severe financial hardship, even in prosperous Kenilworth.

"We intend to address these issues in partnership with other interested parties.

"If you would like to be involved please contact [email protected] or phone 01926 919340."