Residents urged to become super (market) heroes

15 Apr 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

The coronavirus pandemic has brought out the best of local communities across Northumberland.

Throughout the county residents have come together more than ever, looking out for neighbours, volunteering with the council and the NHS and supporting the vulnerable.

In a further bid to look after our most vulnerable, the council is now asking fit, healthy and younger residents to consider giving up their supermarket delivery slots so that people in the vulnerable and shielded groups can use them.

Cabinet Member Councillor Nick Oliver said: “The community response throughout Northumberland has been absolutely fantastic.

“Each day we hear more stories about how residents are helping each other to get through this and it really is heartwarming.

“We’re also doing all we can through our community shielding hub with support from our partners and hundreds of volunteers, delivering hundreds of emergency food parcels each day to those most in need.

“With this in mind we’re seeing if our younger and healthier residents can help the older and more vulnerable ones by considering doing their shopping at their local shops or supermarket, freeing up more delivery slots to those in greater need. 

“We know and appreciate not everyone is able to do this, but online delivery slots are still hard to come by and for some people who struggle to get out this causes real stress and anxiety.

“This is not an easy time for anyone but anything we can do to help each other at this difficult time can make such a difference.

“We’d also remind people to please take the necessary steps in relation to social distancing and regular handwashing at this time.”