Honiton Coronavirus Community Advice and Support Network launched

By The Editor

17th Sep 2021 | Local News

A new community network has been launched in Honiton to help support residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

Numerous key groups and organisations have come together to establish Honiton Coronavirus Community Advice and Support Network to provide not only practical support but also guidance.

Heather Penwarden, chairman of Honiton Hospital & Community League of Friends, said: "Many individuals and groups have been working flat out over the past 48 hours to bring together a Honiton Community Coronavirus Support Plan.

"In these unprecedented times we want to assure everyone that in Honiton the surgery, hospital, community team, community college, The Beehive, St Michael's 55 Centre, Tesco, the FoodBank, councillors, churches, Devon Freewheelers, key voluntary groups and many individuals have had an active input into this plan.

"We will remain working together across the organisations to keep our community informed, advised and hopefully safe."

The first phase of the support plan gets underway on Monday (23 March), with the network maintaining close links with NHS and social care professionals.

This will see the Honiton Coronavirus Information Line go live at 10am with trained volunteers available to listen to concerns and point callers to where help is available. The volunteers will not be giving medical advice.

TRIP is coordinating shopping and meal deliveries, cooked at St Michael's.

The charity is also spearheading a telephone befriending line and coordinating a network of trusted volunteers to undertake tasks such manning the phone line, checking on neighbours and collecting shopping.

"We hope that everyone will feel a bit more reassured by this new level of support as we do not want anyone to feel alone and isolated, no matter what age you are or life circumstance.

"In these most challenging of times we all have a duty to look after ourselves by following the Government guidelines about hygiene, social distancing and self-isolation, if you fall into that category.

"I am sure you will all be looking out for you own families, friends and neighbours and I know that in some parishes there are already neighbourhood support systems popping up.

"Who would have thought that even a couple of weeks ago we would be in such a situation?

"But I can tell you that a crisis does bring out the best in people and in Honiton and the surrounding parishes much is been done to help us get though this thing together.

"We will update you as our plan unfolds and needs adapt over the weeks to come.

"Please take care of yourself and each other and remember: be strong, be kind and, above all, be safe," adds Heather.

Here's the important information:

For information about local services and organisations offering help and support call the volunteer-run Honiton Coronavirus Information Line on 01404 384050 - open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm starting on Monday, 23 March

For help with shopping and cooked meal deliveries call 01404 46529 - open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

To register as a volunteer call 01404 46529 or register online here. It is very easy to do and takes very little time.

If you need a prescription picked up, and have no one else to collect it for you, call Devon Freewheelers on 0300 800 0109.

For Foodbank enquiries call 01404 43800.

Regular updates can be found here and on Facebook.

Updates are also available on the Honiton Health Matters website.

Email enquiries to [email protected].

A leaflet containing all the information and telephone numbers will be distributed to every household in the town in the next few days.

     

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