DALE MP Dehenna Davison says she has been “amazed” by the response to the team of volunteer Coronavirus Angels set up to help the isolated and vulnerable during the current Covid-19 crisis.
Ms Davison launched the initiative after receiving countless messages from people wanting to help.
And while much of the Angels’ efforts so far have been concentrated in Bishop Auckland, Ms Davison stressed that the service covers the whole of the constituency area. The volunteers offer to collect and deliver shopping or medication for those in need or just call for a friendly chat to ensure no-one is left totally on their own.
“It was amazing. Within two or three hours of launching, 70 or 80 people had got in touch wanting to volunteer and that number has grown since then,” she said.
“As time has gone on, we are getting more calls to the office from people wanting help – mainly people in the vulnerable category.”
Ms Davison said initially the volunteers had been plugging any gaps in supporting her constituents, but the Angels are now fully verified by Durham County Council and receiving referrals when those in need had contacted the local authority directly.
Among the more unusual treats Ms Davison’s volunteers were able to deliver was a birthday cake for one resident.
“We have had quite a few people from further afield but with elderly parents in the constituency who have seen the Angels on social media and got in touch,” she added.
“It has been amazing to see the community get on board.
“We have been in touch with supermarkets which have waived the restrictions on limits of goods and Tesco in St Helen offered us space in their freezer for donations for foodbanks.”
Anyone wishing to volunteer as an Angel can register online at www.dehenna
davison.com.
Follow the link for coronavirus advice and click on the volunteer section.
