East Preston councillors set up volunteer service for village during lockdown

East Preston responded quickly to the COVID-19 public health crisis with East Preston Parish Council setting up the East Preston Voluntary Service several days before the main lockdown announcement on March 23.

Councillors and staff are working daily to match volunteers, not all from East Preston, with East Preston residents who call for help with a variety of matters they would normally have

been able to handle themselves.

Chairman of the council Steve Toney said: “We knew we needed and wanted to do something to help the less able in our community.

"We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of nearly 100 local volunteers who have come forward to help local residents.

"We are running the service on a best endeavours basis and so far we have managed to do pretty much everything we have been asked to do. Where possible, councillors are running the scheme or being additional volunteers.

"I have lived here for many years and the village spirit never fails to amaze me.”

So far the service has helped with shopping, collecting medications, walking dogs, telephone chats for people feeling lonelier or more anxious than usual, posting letters and parcels, even a bit of pest control for one resident.

If you live in East Preston and think the Voluntary Service can help, you can either email a request to [email protected] or you can call in on 01903 770050.

Messages are collected several times a day. Likewise, if you would like to volunteer to help East Preston residents please get in touch in the same ways.

Mr Toney said: “If any East Preston resident needs some help with any tasks during this time, we do ask they give us as much notice as possible and we will do everything we can to help.”

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