Kenilworth Covid-19 support group looks to provide even more help for most vulnerable in town in months to come

The group 'CSK' has also partnered with a number of primary schools whose pupils have written postcards to residents with more than 150 being delivered so far.

CSK Christmas cards are being delivered next week to the most vulnerable residents.

Food hampers are being compiled and distributed to the Molly's Meal's service clients and for approximately 50 of our most vulnerable residents who are without family and friends for support.

CSK has also partnered with Kenilworth Round Table and some singers to go round care and residential homes and areas with a high population of elderly residents to provide outside, COVID-safe carol-playing.

The Mayor of Kenilworth, Councillor Richard Dickson, who is also a trustee of the support group, said: "Safety is one of our biggest concerns for many of our frailer residents.

"We have concerns about how to support those who are particularly frail, those with limited and poor mobility and especially those that have not been out for six or seven months.

"CSK is in discussion with local fitness instructors who are able to provide gentle exercise programmes for residents.

"We are looking into giving residents access to iPads to connect them to family and friends and to open up online communities and learning to them.

"CSK is also in the process of organising coffee mornings, afternoon teas, arts and crafts and special interest sessions for isolated residents.

"Responding to the survey requests for special interest - including history classes , singing and arts & crafts, CSK is also exploring how to give residents access to an identified community garden and safe space for residents to go to garden or just breathe the fresh air to help both their mental and physical wellbeing."

CSK was set up in March 2020 as the community’s response in Kenilworth to the pandemic primarily for vulnerable residents aged over 70 including those shielding and isolating.

More than 330 volunteers were recruited to help with general support, prescriptions and shopping requests.

As of this month, the group still has 135 volunteers still active.

A telephone line and email have been set up with volunteer teams built to cover the operation on every day of the week.

About 31,000 calls have been made into and out of the telephone line from and to our vulnerable registered residents.

Approximately 11,000 requests for help have been received and responded to to date.

For more information call 01926 919340, email [email protected] or go online.

http://www.covid-19supportkenilworth.co.uk/www.covid-19supportkenilworth.co.uk/