Warwick and Leamington Covid-19 mutual aid volunteers continue work as lockdown measures ease

The volunteers at the Warwick and Leamington Covid-19 mutual aid group are continuing their work as the lockdown measures ease.

Whilst some people are now enjoying time outdoors in the sunshine with friends, having picnics and barbecues in parks and green spaces, for many Warwick and Leamington Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group clients, everyday life is continuing much as it did before.

Because of this the volunteers are continuing to help people access food and medication.

Emma Sparkes, team leader, said: “We’re still receiving an average of 100 requests a week, with some 65 per cent relating to pharmacy trips and the rest to shopping.

"What has continued to rise is the demand for phone support from those who are feeling isolated and anxious, lonely and often very stressed. These calls are increasing by the day.”

Sarah Jones, Phone Pals coordinator, added: “We’re making around 150 calls a week to nearly 40 individuals – people with whom we’ve now built strong relationships and with whom our volunteers have real rapport.

"We just want the community to be reassured that we’re here for them, providing both practical and emotional support, and we’re not going anywhere.”

Amongst those clients are people like Leamington-based, Tony, whose underlying health conditions have kept him indoors since lockdown began.

Although he’s missing his normally sociable existence, he’s enjoying his daily Phone Pals calls immensely, as do the volunteers who speak to him.

He said: “The calls have helped me a tremendous amount. They break the day up, which makes me a lot happier, when you have no contact.

"I’ve had excellent conversations, really lovely.”

And is he planning a trip outside any time soon? Tony says that he is skeptical about the ‘official’ advice and says that he won’t be entertaining that possibility until his GP gives him the thumbs up.

He said: “According to the scientists, going out at the moment would put me in danger and I’m just not prepared to take that risk.

"There are still hundreds of people dying every day and it’s far too early in my opinion."

If you want to talk to a Phone Pal or know someone who could benefit from a call or from help getting vital supplies, then go to: www.warwickleamingtoncovidhelp.co.uk or call 01926 674065 and leave a message.