'We're still open for business' - Warwick and Leamington Covid-19 mutual aid group sees no downturn in demand

With restaurants and pubs opening their doors again, it may seem as if things are going back to normal.

But behind the scenes, Warwick and Leamington Covid-19 support group volunteers are still delivering essential medication and shopping for local people, whose lives have been changed irrevocably by the pandemic.

Some remain very cautious about going out and mixing with other people, and some may have been struggling for years to get their vital supplies and are just relieved to have found a service that can help them.

The same might be said of the 40 individuals who continue to receive regular phone calls from the group’s Phone Pals, who ‘call in’ to provide a listening ear and a compassionate voice for those who, for whatever reason, feel isolated, anxious or simply, lonely.

The ‘Pals’ made their 1,500th call this week since launching in March and know that every time they pick up the phone they are making someone’s day better.

Team leader, Emma Sparkes, said: “It’s difficult to know to what extent we are filling a gap which pre-existed the March lockdown, but it’s safe to say that for the many people that we are still supporting, we are meeting a real need in the community."

For the 7,000 plus followers of the group’s Facebook page, emphasis has subtly shifted as people become accustomed to the new guidelines and get used to going out again.

According to Rebecca McDougall – one of the group’s Facebook lead moderators – whilst urgent requests for information and advice may have fallen significantly, the page is now turning its attention to local businesses, many of which are facing imminent financial difficulty.

She added: “We can help them to showcase their products and services, and provide a platform for them to communicate with the public."

And the group’s volunteers never cease to surprise with their energy and generosity.

Having discovered that some of the group’s frailer clients were getting concerned about their overgrown gardens, they have recently been turning up to help with their secateurs in hand.

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