A fantastic army of volunteers across Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh has swung into action to meet more than 12,000 requests to help those isolated in their homes due to COVID-19.
Volunteers have been giving up their time to help others and support the work of the hubs since the middle of March. The three hubs, one each based in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh are led by voluntary organisations and Folkestone & Hythe District Council with grant funding support from the council.
The amazing response by 632 volunteers, who answered the call to assist the district’s three community hubs, has to date resulted in:
- 7,202 welfare checks made
- 3,555 hot meals cooked
- 1005 loads of shopping collected
- 724 prescriptions picked up
- 27 walks with dogs
The above are only some of the services that are offered by the hubs.
In addition the council’s own staff have been helping residents who have rung or e-mailed its emergency helpline. The dedicated COVID-19 hotline has received 656 calls and colleagues have responded to 942 emails.
Cabinet member for Communities Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee said: “The district has really risen to this challenge and the response has been amazing. I’ve been closely involved with this social response and I’ve been able to witness first-hand the dedication and passion that has gone into providing these services.
“All the partner organisations, council staff and volunteers involved in this deserve recognition for the fantastic job they are doing in tough circumstances. I particularly want to thank the staff at the three hubs and the volunteers giving up their time and effort to help support vulnerable people in the district. The positive feedback we’ve had just goes to show that the residents receiving these services are so appreciative and that these hubs are really making a difference.”
The local hubs are open seven days a week. Due to the number of applications received volunteer recruitment is currently paused but this will be continuously reviewed. These cannot be visited but can be contacted on:
- Hythe Community Support Hub – run by AGE UK.
Contact them on: covid-19@ageukhl.org.uk or 01303 269602
- Folkestone Community Support Hub – run by Three Hills Sports Centre supported by Citizens Advice and Kent Coast Volunteering.
Contact them on: covid-19@3hsp.co.uk or 01303 316186
- Romney Marsh Community Support Hub – run by Romney Marsh Day Centre.
Contact them on: Covid-19@rmdc.org.uk or 01797 208590
The council’s COVID-19 helpline is 01303 761116 (open from 9am to 5pm every day) or via email at Covid-19@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk . Residents and businesses can find out about help and assistance available to them both locally and get signposted to national support. Residents can also feedback helpful information or concerns about their community or individuals.
For the latest on COVID-19 related matters locally please visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/coronavirus