AS RESTRICTIONS on residents’ movements strengthen due to the coronavirus pandemic, a group of charities and businesses have set up a Solihull isolation help group.
Age UK Solihull, The Solihull Summer Fest and Solihull Round Table say they have combined resources to create a support network to provide essential deliveries, prescription collections, dog walking and post to the elderly during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ian Rogers, founder of The Solihull Summer Fest, explained, “We created this support group on Sunday (March 15) to support the elderly and vulnerable through these unprecedented times. We soon realised the scale of this operation and formed a partnership with Solihull Round table to build a network infrastructure to support the intense work that lies ahead for Age UK Solihull.
“After many meetings we have an initial plan in place. However, we expect this to evolve and change on a daily basis. We have created a network of volunteers in the borough, all with valid Photo ID and DBS clearance.
“Age UK will prioritise those that have wider care and support needs, and our aim is to ensure those over 70s within our borough who are self-isolating and do not require wider care, do have the support and essentials they need so they can have as much peace of mind as possible.”
Cards have been printed with the support group’s contact details to enable those needing their services to get in touch. Local residents are being asked to collect them from The Solihull Summer Fest ticket outlet in High Street, Solihull and post them through letter boxes of any homes where they are aware of elderly residents.
The group is requesting donations such as tea, coffee, sugar, tinned foods / vegetables, pet food, pasta, cereal, long life milk, toilet rolls, toiletries (male & female), continence pads and any other basic goods for “essentials packages” that can be delivered to the elderly during self-isolation.
Packs can be dropped off at The Solihull Summer Fest Ticket Outlet, 150 High Street, Solihull, B91 3SX (Opposite The Mason’s Arms) or Age UK Solihull (Lower Ground Floor) The Core Theatre, Solihull.
Angus Phillips, Chairman of Solihull Round Table, added: “As a group of young Silhillians, Solihull Round Table see this as a further opportunity to help support all members of our local community – whether it be through raising funds to support local charities or in times of unprecedented circumstances such as we are seeing now.”
If you are interested in supporting the project please email [email protected].
